Islamabad, July 15, 2025: In a major breakthrough for solar physics, scientists have finally solved a mystery that has puzzled researchers since the time of Galileo: why sunspots can persist on the Sun’s surface for such long durations.
A new study published in Astronomy & Astrophysics reveals the underlying mechanism behind sunspot stability, offering critical insights into predicting solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs).
An international research team led by Germany’s Institute of Solar Physics developed a cutting-edge method to analyze the magnetic fields of sunspots with extreme accuracy. By enhancing an existing technique from the Max Planck Institute, they successfully removed atmospheric distortion from ground-based solar observations using the GREGOR solar telescope.
Sunspots and Magnetic Equilibrium
Sunspots are cooler, dark patches on the Sun’s surface created by intense magnetic activity. Despite being cooler than their surroundings, these areas still radiate more light than the full Moon when isolated. The strength of their magnetic field rivals that of an MRI machine—spread across an area larger than Earth.
For centuries, scientists believed that sunspot longevity stemmed from a balance between gas pressure and magnetic forces. However, verifying this theory was nearly impossible due to Earth’s atmospheric interference.
That’s now changed.
By measuring polarized light from the Sun with unprecedented precision, the team found definitive evidence: magnetic forces within sunspots are perfectly countered by pressure forces. This delicate equilibrium explains why sunspots can last for weeks, despite the Sun’s constantly turbulent environment.
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Why This Discovery Matters
Sunspots are closely tied to space weather events. They appear most frequently during the solar maximum of the 11-year solar cycle and often trigger powerful eruptions like solar flares and CMEs. These events can disrupt satellite signals, GPS systems, and even power grids on Earth.
Improving our understanding of sunspot behavior could allow scientists to forecast when these solar features are likely to become unstable and erupt. With society increasingly reliant on satellite and digital infrastructure, the ability to predict solar storms could protect both technology and human life—especially astronauts in space.
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This landmark discovery also sets a new benchmark for solar observation from Earth. By achieving satellite-level data from ground-based instruments, the study opens a cost-effective path for advanced solar monitoring in the future.
