The Sun is a G-type main-sequence star at the center of our solar system, providing the light and energy necessary for life on Earth. Composed primarily of hydrogen and helium, it undergoes nuclear fusion in its core, producing immense heat and light. The Sun has an 11-year cycle of solar activity, characterized by fluctuations in sunspot numbers, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). We are currently in Solar Cycle 25, which began in December 2019. This cycle is predicted to peak in 2025, with an increase in solar activity, meaning more sunspots, flares, and geomagnetic storms. Solar cycles affect space weather and can influence satellite communications, power grids, and auroras on Earth.

TelescopeLunt 60mm
Aperture60 mm
Focal length420 mm
MountRainbow Astro RST 135
Autoguiding
CameraZWO ASI 174MM
Corrector
FiltersDouble stack
Exposure4000x30ms, Gain 40, bin 1×1, 15% selected
Date2024-05-18