Sunspots are the result of magnetic disturbances in the photosphere – the lowest layer of the sun’s atmosphere – with these disturbances exposing the cooler layers of the star below. According to experts at Spaceweather.com, the sunspot is “so big that it changes the way the sun vibrates.” If the Sun’s dark region erupts, releasing a solar flare toward Earth, it could affect Earth’s magnetic field and cause disruptions to GPS and communications satellites orbiting near the planet, as well as affect airplane navigation systems . The US-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center predicted that over the weekend, the geomagnetic field around Earth would be unstable. This forecast suggests that areas in the higher northern latitudes could see dazzling auroras, although it is unclear whether it will turn into a full solar storm. While the current sunspot was on the far side of the Sun, scientists were able to track it by studying how it affects the star’s vibrations Speaking to Live Science, Dean Pesnell, NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) project scientist said, “The Sun is constantly vibrating because of convection bubbles hitting the surface.” Temperature differences inside the Sun cause hot and cold bubbles to constantly rise and fall, which drives energy and causes vibrations that can be detected by solar observatories like NASA’s SDO. READ MORE: Solar storm of horror: Blast from the Sun threatens power grid damage Solar flares are triggered by a process called “magnetic reconnection,” in which the geometry of the magnetic field in the Sun’s plasma changes. These flares could affect Earth by heating clouds of electrically charged particles in the Sun’s upper atmosphere to extremely high temperatures, releasing a mass of coronal plasma mass ejections (CMEs). Mr Pesnell noted that it is possible that Earth will see solar flares headed its way and there could be some CMEs. The NASA expert noted: “Solar flares and CMEs are the main way solar activity affects Earth. “From my work, higher levels of solar activity mean increased drag on near-Earth orbiting satellites — and satellite operators will lose income if that drag knocks out a functioning satellite.”
