A monstrous 15-dimensional sunspot region on Earth is currently so large that it can be seen without binoculars or telescopes. But you will still need adequate eye protection. This is how you can detect it without putting your vision at risk.
sun spots They are relatively cold regions in the sunAtmosphere that forms around areas of intense magnetic activity. Because they are colder than their surroundings, they appear dark from the outside. Land and are often associated with short-lived explosions known as solar flares as well as powerful coronal mass ejections (CMEs) — solid plasma ejections driven by violent changes in sunlight magnetic field.
He sunspot region 4366 is a particularly impressive specimen, which has grown significantly since it came into view on January 30. Since then, it has unleashed more than 20 powerful M- and X-class solar flares, the most powerful category of solar flares, causing radio blackouts upon reaching Earth.
Quality protective glasses has to be used at all times when observing the sunsince doing so without it can lead to permanent vision loss. If you want to spot AR4366 yourself, you’ll need a pair of solar eclipse glasses to nullify the sun’s intense ultraviolet and infrared radiation, and remember, standard sunglasses available on the market won’t offer adequate protection.
With the right equipment, AR4366 will appear as a small black spot near the center of the solar disk, located slightly above the sun’s equator. You’ll get a clearer view of the sunspot group by using a pair of dedicated sun-viewing binoculars, such as the Lunt SUNoculars and Celestron Eclipsmartalthough to see our parent star up close, you will need a telescope equipped with a sunscreen from a recognized brand.
AR4366 won’t disappear from view for a few days and, given its short history, is likely to generate more powerful flares (and potentially accompany CMEs capable of causing geomagnetic storm conditions and possible northern lights) before dispersing.
Do you want to be prepared for the next giant sunspot event? Then be sure to read ours. Guide to Buying Quality Solar Eclipse Glassesthat will surely be useful to you if you find yourself on the path of Total solar eclipse on August 12which will spread across Spain, Greenland and western Iceland later this year. Photographers will also want to read our Expert tips on how to visualize the sun.along with our summaries of best cameras and glasses that will be on sale in 2026.
Editor’s note: If you capture an image of the giant sunspot AR4366 and would like to share it with Space.com readers, please send your photos, comments, and your name and location to spacephotos@space.com.
