MUSCAT : The observation was made by the Oman Society of Astronomy and Space (OSAS) using specialised telescopic equipment in the skies over Muscat Governorate on the morning of May 8. The sunspot, visible as part of heightened solar activity during Solar Cycle 25, reflects the current peak in the Sun’s 11-year magnetic cycle.

“This sunspot represents one of the largest phenomena we have documented in the current solar cycle,” said Wisal bint Salim Al Hinai, Deputy Head of the Community Outreach Committee at the Oman Astronomy and Space Society. “Capturing it from Oman is a remarkable scientific achievement that highlights our ongoing efforts to monitor space phenomena that directly impact Earth.”

Sunspot 4079 is a prominent example of solar magnetic activity and offers critical insight into the Sun’s behaviour. According to Al Hinai, sunspots play a key role in helping scientists understand solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and their resulting effects on Earth’s geomagnetic environment, phenomena that can affect communication networks, navigation systems, and even power infrastructure.

Solar Cycle 25, which began in December 2019, has shown signs of being stronger than initially predicted. A daily average of 215.5 sunspots was recorded in August 2024 – the highest in over 20 years – indicating the current cycle has reached its peak earlier than expected.

In late February, the Sun emitted a powerful X-class solar flare, which was followed by a coronal mass ejection that caused geomagnetic storms across Earth in April. These disturbances triggered auroras in mid-latitudes and briefly impacted high-frequency radio systems. Experts expect solar activity to remain intense throughout May, with a potential record-breaking number of sunspots.

Photographic documentation of the sunspot was made by Professor Ibrahim Al-Mahrouqi, whose image of the Sun over Muscat vividly captured the massive dark region.

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