• News
    • Tech News
    • AI
  • Gadgets
    • Apple
    • iPhone
  • Gaming
    • Playstation
    • Xbox
  • Science
    • News
    • Space
  • Streaming
    • Netflix
  • Vehicles
    • Car News
  • Social Media
    • WhatsApp
    • YouTube
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
TikTok
Snapchat
WhatsApp
Submit Your Content
A massive hole has just opened up in the Sun

Home> Science> Space

Published 13:51 8 Dec 2023 GMT

A massive hole has just opened up in the Sun

This definitely doesn't sound like good news.

Prudence Wade

Prudence Wade

The news cycle can be pretty depressing, so we hate to be the bearer of more bad news.

Unfortunately, it looks like a 'huge hole' has opened in the Sun's atmosphere.

That's according to SpaceWeather.com, which also says it's now "spewing a stream of solar wind directly toward Earth".

Advert

A massive hole has opened up on the sun's surface.
Stocktrek Images / Getty

Sounds decidedly not great, if you ask us.

According to SpaceWeather.com, a hole has been photographed by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory and measures almost 800,00km long.

It's a coronal hole - but what does that actually mean?

Advert

Well, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coronal holes are cooler, less dense regions on the sun's surface and have an open, unipolar magnetic field.

The NOAA said: "This open, magnetic field line structure allows the solar wind to escape more readily into space, resulting in streams of relatively fast solar wind and is often referred to as a high speed stream in the context of analysis of structures in interplanetary space."

Essentially, the Sun is held in place by magnetic fields - when they suddenly open up, the contents of the Sun's surface starts streaming out.

The solar wind surging out from this particular hole has been pointing directly at the Earth since December 4.

Advert

Even though the hole is massive, it can't be seen by the naked eye (nor would we recommend looking up at the Sun, full stop).

That's because coronal holes can only be viewed under ultraviolet light.

The last time a massive hole triggered a geomagnetic storm was back in March, causing radio blackouts and beautiful auroral displays.

Solar storms can cause auroras in the sky.
Fredrik Meling / 500px / Getty

Advert

However, this one doesn't seem to have made quite so big an impact.

Only a weak storm has reportedly been caused so far - although SpaceWeather.com indicates it still could result in auroras, so it's worth keeping your eyes peeled at night.

It certainly seems like the sun has been getting frisky recently - in November a massive sunspot region appeared on the side closest to the Earth.

Made up of at least different sunspot groups, Space.com said, this collection was rather cutely dubbed a 'sunspot archipelago'.

Advert

What is less cute though is the 'barrage of solar storms' Space.com said it has started to direct towards Earth.

Featured Image Credit: Credit: hadzi3 / Getty /Getty Stock Photo
Space
Sun

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

4 hours ago
10 hours ago
a day ago
  • 4 hours ago

    Urgent warning issued to 1,000,000 US drivers to avoid gas stations amid toxic air

    Fires in Canada have caused experts to advise against a regular activity for many Americans

    Science
  • 10 hours ago

    NASA issues official statement as space agency begins shutting down social media accounts

    Mars Curiosity is seeing its account deactivated

    Science
  • 10 hours ago

    NASA issue brutal response to woman who claimed she’s going to the Moon with the space agency

    Katy Perry could have some competition

    Science
  • a day ago

    Elon Musk's Starlink satellites could pose catastrophic threat to space after scientists report 'leaks'

    The Starlink satellites are 'leaking' emissions

    Science
  • Scientists baffled after learning part of the sun is 'broken'
  • People mind-blown after discovering the 'real color' of the sun
  • NASA animation shows the sun vs a giant black hole and it’s terrifying
  • 'Mind-boggling' video shows how big the sun is in comparison to Earth