Jeddah Astronomy Society observes giant sunspot AR4366 and its effects
The Jeddah Astronomical Society announced its continued close monitoring of the giant sunspot AR4366 , currently classified as one of the most magnetically active and complex regions of the 25th solar cycle. This increased activity has prompted scientists and observatories worldwide to raise their level of scientific vigilance to monitor its developments and potential impacts on Earth in the coming period.
Details of the giant spot and its complex structure
Engineer Majed Abu Zahra, head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, explained that sunspot AR4366 is not just an ordinary spot, but rather a rare astronomical phenomenon in terms of its magnetic structure. Scientists have described it as resembling an "archipelago of magnetic islands," consisting of a massive central core more than twice the diameter of Earth, surrounded by dozens of scattered secondary spots. This complex interplay between positive and negative magnetic poles makes it a fertile ground for powerful solar flares.
Solar Cycle Context 25
The appearance of this giant sunspot coincides with the peak activity of the 25th solar cycle. It is scientifically known that the Sun undergoes activity cycles lasting approximately 11 years, during which the number of sunspots increases and magnetic storms become more frequent. Sunspots are relatively cooler regions on the Sun's surface (photosphere) resulting from a high concentration of magnetic field lines that prevent heat from flowing from the Sun's interior to its surface, causing them to appear darker compared to the surrounding areas.
Radioactivity and X-class flares
The active region AR4366 has been remarkably active since the beginning of February 2026, with observatories recording dozens of solar flares. The most notable of these events were X-class , the most powerful and luminous category in the solar flare classification. A particularly strong flare, measuring X8.1, was observed, making it one of the most significant solar events recorded this year. This category of flares is characterized by the release of enormous amounts of energy, equivalent to millions of hydrogen bombs detonated simultaneously.
Expected impacts on land and technology
Regarding terrestrial effects, Abu Zahra noted that powerful flares could cause temporary disruptions to high-frequency (HF) radio communications, particularly in areas facing the sun at the time of the eruption. The current location of the sunspot facing Earth also increases the likelihood of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) heading toward us, which could trigger geomagnetic storms upon impact with Earth's magnetic field. These storms could have minor effects on GPS navigation systems and power grids at high latitudes.
Scientific reassurance and aesthetic phenomena
Despite the magnitude of the event, the head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society confirmed that this solar activity poses no direct threat to human life or health, thanks to Earth's natural shield of atmosphere and magnetic field, which deflect most harmful radiation. From an aesthetic perspective, the arrival of solar storms may expand the visibility of the aurora borealis (northern lights) to areas with narrower geographical ranges than usual, providing a rare opportunity for astrophotography enthusiasts in northern hemispheres.
