Latest news with #OmanSocietyforAstronomyandSpace
Gulf Insider
12-05-2025
- Science
- Gulf Insider
Largest Sunspot of 2025 Observed From Oman
Members of the Oman Society for Astronomy and Space (OSAS) observed one of the largest sunspots to appear on the sun's surface during the 25th solar cycle, known as Sunspot 4079. The sunspot's size exceeded 11 times the size of planet Earth. Observers were able to clearly photograph this spot from the skies over Muscat Governorate using specialised astronomical equipment, in a rare scene that reflects the peak of solar activity currently being experienced by the sun. Wesal bint Salem Al Hinai, Vice Chair of the Community Engagement Committee at the OSAS, said: 'Sunspot 4079 is one of the largest phenomena we have observed during the current solar cycle. Photographing it from the Sultanate of Oman is a scientific and astronomical achievement that highlights the OSAS's efforts to monitor cosmic phenomena that directly impact Earth. This requires community awareness of the risks of space weather and its potential impact on communications, navigation, and energy systems.' She added: 'Sunspots are one of the most prominent phenomena associated with the Sun's magnetic activity. They represent a crucial indicator in understanding the behavior of our solar system's star and its multiple effects on Earth. The Sun undergoes regular cycles of magnetic activity known as 'solar cycles,' each lasting an average of about 11 years. During these cycles, the Sun's surface undergoes significant changes in the number of sunspots, the intensity of flares, and coronal mass ejections, which directly impact space weather and the geomagnetic environment surrounding Earth.' Sunspots are the most visible manifestation of this cycle, increasing in frequency as solar activity increases and decreasing toward the end of the cycle. Currently, the Sun is experiencing the peak of the 25th solar cycle, which began in December 2019. This is a phase of intense magnetic disturbance during which the number of sunspots is markedly increased. A daily average of about 215.5 sunspots was recorded in August 2024, the highest in more than two decades, indicating that the 25th solar cycle may have peaked earlier than expected. In late February In 2025, the sun erupted a powerful solar flare, detected by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. These flares are classified as Class X flares, the most intense. This event was followed by a coronal mass ejection, which triggered a geomagnetic storm that reached Earth in April 2025, causing auroras across large areas of mid-latitudes and partially impacting high-frequency radio communications systems. In May 2025, the sun showed another unprecedented surge of activity, with the number of sunspots exceeding previous predictions, indicating a peak that may be the strongest in decades. This activity is accompanied by powerful solar flares and coronal mass ejections, potentially leading to geomagnetic storms that could impact Earth. This cycle is expected to continue until 2030, with solar activity gradually declining after the peak. One of the most prominent historical phenomena associated with extreme solar activity is the Carrington Effect, the most powerful solar storm documented in modern times. It occurred in 1859. On September 1 of that year, British astronomer Richard Carrington observed a powerful solar flare emanating from a massive sunspot. Within 24 hours, high-energy solar particles reached Earth, causing a widespread magnetic storm. Auroras were observed in unusual locations, such as the Caribbean, and its effects were even felt in Hong Kong and Rome. The storm also disrupted telegraph networks and caused fires due to electrical sparks. This event serves as an early warning of the potential dangers of solar storms in an age of heavy reliance on technology, such as satellites, electricity grids, and communications. Also read: 12 Foreigners Arrested in Oman for Violating Labour, Residency Laws
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.
Observer
19-03-2025
- Science
- Observer
Vernal equinox in Oman will begin today
MUSCAT: The vernal equinox in the Sultanate of Oman will begin today, March 20, marking the astronomical commencement of spring, according to the Oman Society for Astronomy and Space. Astronomical calculations indicate that this year's vernal equinox will occur at 1:07 PM Muscat time. "At this moment, the sun will be positioned directly over the equator. In the Muscat Governorate, the sun will rise at 6:11 AM, reach its zenith at 12:14 PM and set at 6:18 PM. On this day, day and night will be approximately equal in length across most of the world, with the duration of daylight reaching 12 hours, 7 minutes and 24 seconds in Muscat Governorate, Asma bint Salem al Farsiyah, a member of the Omani Society for Astronomy and Space, said. This phenomenon arises due to the Earth's axis being tilted at an angle of 23.5 degrees as it orbits the sun, resulting in varying levels of solar radiation between the two hemispheres throughout the year. While the vernal equinox approximates equal day and night, the precise moment of equal day and night for the Sultanate of Oman occurred on March 15. "The vernal equinox typically falls on the 20th, 21st, or 22nd of March, as the calendar year does not perfectly align with the tropical year," Asma said. Leap days are implemented to realign the calendar with the tropical year. On this day, the sun transitions from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere, signifying the start of spring in the northern hemisphere and autumn in the southern hemisphere. The sun rises precisely at 90 degrees east and sets precisely west, aiding in directional orientation. At the poles, this marks the beginning of six months of daylight at the North Pole and six months of darkness at the South Pole. Following the vernal equinox, daylight hours will gradually lengthen until the summer solstice. Spring is traditionally the season for planting, as the ground warms and daylight hours increase, fostering crop growth. The vernal equinox is one of four annual astronomical events that delineate the seasons, alongside the summer solstice, autumnal equinox and winter solstice. These seasonal variations in daylight hours are primarily due to the sun's tilt relative to the equator and geographical latitude. — ONA
Times of Oman
19-03-2025
- Science
- Times of Oman
Vernal equinox: When is the first day of spring 2025 in Oman?
Muscat: Thursday, March 20, 2025, will herald the arrival of the vernal equinox in the Sultanate of Oman, marking the astronomical commencement of spring, according to the Oman Society for Astronomy and Space. Astronomical calculations indicate that this year's vernal equinox will occur at 1:07 PM Muscat time. At this moment, the sun will be positioned directly over the equator. In the Muscat Governorate, the sun will rise at 6:11 AM, reach its zenith at 12:14 PM, and set at 6:18 PM. On this day, day and night will be approximately equal in length across most of the world, with the duration of daylight reaching 12 hours, 7 minutes, and 24 seconds in Muscat Governorate. This phenomenon arises due to the Earth's axis being tilted at an angle of 23.5 degrees as it orbits the sun, resulting in varying levels of solar radiation between the two hemispheres throughout the year. While the vernal equinox approximates equal day and night, the precise moment of equal day and night for the Sultanate of Oman occurred on the 15th of March. The vernal equinox typically falls on the 20th, 21st, or 22nd of March, as the calendar year does not perfectly align with the tropical year. Leap days are implemented to realign the calendar with the tropical year. On this day, the sun transitions from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere, signifying the start of spring in the northern hemisphere and autumn in the southern hemisphere. The sun rises precisely at 90 degrees east and sets precisely west, aiding in directional orientation. At the poles, this marks the beginning of six months of daylight at the North Pole and six months of darkness at the South Pole. Following the vernal equinox, daylight hours will gradually lengthen until the summer solstice. Spring is traditionally the season for planting, as the ground warms and daylight hours increase, fostering crop growth. The vernal equinox is one of four annual astronomical events that delineate the seasons, alongside the summer solstice, autumnal equinox, and winter solstice. These seasonal variations in daylight hours are primarily due to the sun's tilt relative to the equator and geographical latitude.
