This weekend, the Sun treated us to a wonderful sight.
Northern Lights visible all over the world.
Not only in polar regions, as usual, but also in Europe, Asia, Mexico, and Hawaii.
And even from the International Space Station.
AR3664, an Active Solar Spot
At the origin of these Northern Lights, a solar spot, not quite like the others.
A “Carrington-class” spot – named so because it reached the size of the one that caused the Carrington Event in 1859 – which triggered a historic geomagnetic storm. The most significant in the last 20 years. The result of several successive coronal mass ejections (CMEs).
AR3664, a Gigantic Solar Spot
The solar spot named AR3664 – actually comprising almost 60 individual sunspots – appeared on the eastern edge of our Star early this May. All eyes were then on its big sister, AR3663, which in less than four days had grown to about ten times the size of Earth. But within 24 hours, at the beginning of last week, AR3664 had doubled in size. It now measures about 15 times the size of Earth! Making it visible to the naked eye. “Almost” because it’s essential to remember that observing the Sun without proper protection can cost you your sight. It could mainly be observed in certain conditions such as a slightly misty or veiled sunset, through clouds, or with a suitable filter.
Towards a New Northern Lights Show?
The solar spot AR3663 has now moved towards the western edge of the Sun.
By May 15, it is expected to reach an area that astronomers describe as a “danger zone”. Although it won’t be directly facing Earth anymore, it will remain magnetically connected to us. Thus, eruptions occurring later this week could send spiraling charged particles into our atmosphere. Potentially triggering a new display of Northern Lights.