A new time-lapse image shows two major sunspot groups moving across the surface of the sun in December 2022, when the number of solar splotches also skyrocketed to an eight-year high.
A stunning new time-lapse photo shows two bands of shape-shifting sunspots moving across the sun's surface as our host star spins at the center of the solar system. When the mesmerizing image was captured, the total number of sunspots was at its highest in eight years, suggesting that solar activity is about to ramp up another notch.
Şenol Şanlı , an amateur astrophotographer based in Bursa, Turkey, created the new image using data from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. The photo , which Şanlı shared on his Instagram account on Jan. 3, is a composite of individual snaps taken between Dec. 2 and Dec. 27, 2022.
Sunspots are planet-size regions of the sun's visible surface, or photosphere, with increased magnetic fields. The spots are not actually black; they appear darker than the rest of the photosphere because they are much cooler than their surroundings. Scientists track these regions of strong magnetism because they can spit out potentially disruptive solar flares and coronal mass ejections .
The sunspot increase is a result of the sun entering the more active phase of its 11-year solar cycle, which should peak in 2025. In 2022, scientists measured an increase in the frequency and strength of solar storms, and 2023 will likely be even more active if the number of sunspots remains high or increases further. —Mixed-up sunspot emits powerful solar flareSeveral major solar storms have already erupted this year. On Jan.
Norge Siste Nytt, Norge Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også lese nyheter som ligner på denne som vi har samlet inn fra andre nyhetskilder.
A community in photos: Looking back at December 2022 in SaskatoonStarPhoenix photographers shot some picture-worthy, memorable moments around Saskatoon last month. yxe
Les mer »
China: Tesla Retail Electric Car Sales Down 40 Percent In December 2022December was a pretty challenging month for Tesla in China, as the company sold less cars than a year ago, despite various efforts to boost sales.
Les mer »
Used vehicle prices are falling but not enough to offset grossly inflated levelsCox Automotive expects wholesale used vehicle prices to end the year down 4.3% from December 2022.
Les mer »
Another Year of Record Heat for the Oceans - Advances in Atmospheric SciencesChanges in ocean heat content (OHC), salinity, and stratification provide critical indicators for changes in Earth’s energy and water cycles. These cycles have been profoundly altered due to the emission of greenhouse gasses and other anthropogenic substances by human activities, driving pervasive changes in Earth’s climate system. In 2022, the world’s oceans, as given by OHC, were again the hottest in the historical record and exceeded the previous 2021 record maximum. According to IAP/CAS data, the 0–2000 m OHC in 2022 exceeded that of 2021 by 10.9 ± 8.3 ZJ (1 Zetta Joules=1021 Joules); and according to NCEI/NOAA data, by 9.1 ± 8.7 ZJ. Among seven regions, four basins (the North Pacific, North Atlantic, the Mediterranean Sea, and southern oceans) recorded their highest OHC since the 1950s. The salinity-contrast index, a quantification of the “salty gets saltier—fresh gets fresher” pattern, also reached its highest level on record in 2022, implying continued amplification of the global hydrological cycle. Regional OHC and salinity changes in 2022 were dominated by a strong La Niña event. Global upper-ocean stratification continued its increasing trend and was among the top seven in 2022.
Les mer »
NASA shares photo of C/2022 E3 comet streaking through spaceNASA has shared a E3 comet photo, which showcases the beautiful green-tinted once-in-a-lifetime comet that will pass Earth in February.
Les mer »