Dual Solar Eruptions from Sunspot Groups 4478 & 4479: View from Sweden

Dual Solar Eruptions from Sunspot Groups 4478 & 4479: View from Sweden

Astrophotographer P-M Hedén: "Lovely sight today through the Ha solar filter. I witnessed two outbursts from sunspot groups 4478 & 4479."

Occasionally, dark spots freckle the face of the Sun. These are sunspots, cooler regions on the Sun caused by a concentration of magnetic field lines. Sunspots are the visible component of active regions, areas of intense and complex magnetic fields on the Sun that are the source of solar eruptions. Sunspots can be seen on the Sun’s photosphere, or visible surface of the Sun. The number of sunspots goes up and down as the Sun goes through its natural 11-year cycle. Scientists use sunspots to help them track this cycle.  

The current Solar Cycle 25 officially began in December 2019. It is currently ongoing and is projected to conclude around December 2030.

Learn more about sunspots: 
https://science.nasa.gov/sun/sunspots/

Learn more about space weather: http://go.nasa.gov/4bLKwte

Image Credit: P-M Hedén
Location: Vallentuna, Sweden

P-M Hedén's website: https://www.nattbilder.se
Release Date: July 5, 2026

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