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Muscat Daily
11-05-2025
- Science
- Muscat Daily
Sunspot 11 times larger than earth spotted from Oman
Muscat – Astronomers in Oman have observed the largest sunspot of 2025, capturing rare images of the massive dark patch on the Sun's surface, which measures more than 11 times the size of Earth. The sighting was made by the Oman Society for Astronomy and Space (OSAS) on the morning of May 8 using specialised telescopic equipment positioned in the skies over Muscat. Identified as Sunspot 4079, the phenomenon is part of the heightened solar activity associated with Solar Cycle 25, the current phase 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 OSAS. 'Capturing it from Oman is a remarkable scientific achievement that highlights our ongoing efforts to monitor space phenomena that directly impact Earth.' Sunspots are regions of intense magnetic activity that appear darker because they are cooler than their surroundings. Sunspot 4079 offers astronomers important clues about solar flares and coronal mass ejections – bursts of solar energy that can interfere with satellite communications, GPS systems, and power grids on Earth. According to Hinai, the observation helps scientists better understand the potential risks of solar storms. The latest surge in solar activity has already led to several disruptions. In February, the Sun released an X-class solar flare, followed by a coronal mass ejection that triggered geomagnetic storms in April. These storms lit up skies with auroras in unusual latitudes and disrupted radio communications. Solar Cycle 25, which began in December 2019, has exceeded earlier forecasts in terms of intensity.
Times of Oman
15-02-2025
- Science
- Times of Oman
Celestial event of Venus to be visible in Oman skies tomorrow
Muscat: Oman's sky will witness a prominent celestial event on Sunday after Venus attains its maximum brightness, which will be visible in the western horizon after sunset. Wisal bint Salim Al Hinai, Deputy Head of the Community Outreach Committee at the Oman Astronomy and Space Society, explained that Venus is the third brightest celestial object after the sun and moon, with a brightness of -4.52 apparent magnitude, making it approximately 30 times brighter than Sirius, the brightest star in the sky after the sun. Al Hinai stated, "Tomorrow, Venus will reach its peak brightness during this cycle, appearing in a crescent phase, reflecting a significant amount of sunlight due to the angle formed by the sun relative to Earth and Venus. During this period, Venus will be at its closest point to Earth, making it even brighter and clearer, especially when observed through telescopes that will reveal the surface features covered with thick clouds." She confirmed that Venus will remain visible in the evening sky until mid-March, gradually fading to March 16, to reappear in the eastern horizon as the 'Morning Star' by the end of the same month. This period is considered a golden opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts to observe one of the most beautiful celestial sights, either with the naked eye or using telescopes that will reveal details of the crescent phase Venus is undergoing. Al Hinai explained that Venus is classified an inner planet as it moves inside Earth's orbit around the sun, making it the second closest planet to the sun after Mercury. Due to its proximity to the sun, it cannot be seen all night like the outer planets but appears either before sunrise in the eastern horizon or after sunset in the western horizon. During these periods, it is far enough from the sun's glare to appear bright and clear to the naked eye. Al Hinai added that Venus has been associated with ancient civilizations, known to the Greeks and Romans as the "Morning Star" and "Evening Star" due to its frequent appearance at specific times of the day, making it an important symbol in many cultures. She noted that Venus features a thick and dense atmosphere primarily composed of carbon dioxide, with amounts of nitrogen and sulfuric acid, reflecting 75% of sunlight, one of the main factors giving it this exceptional glow. However, this atmosphere also causes a massive greenhouse effect, making Venus the hottest planet in the solar system, with surface temperatures reaching 467 degrees Celsius, enough to melt lead, and atmospheric pressure 92 times that of Earth, equivalent to diving 900 metres below the sea surface on Earth. Al Hinai stated that despite extensive studies, Venus still holds many secrets yet to be revealed, making it a focal point of interest for global space agencies. NASA and the European Space Agency are preparing future missions to explore this mysterious world, understand its history, and uncover the reasons for its transformation into a hellish planet despite its significant similarities with Earth in terms of size and composition.
