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Sunspots are patches of darkness on the sun caused by the underlying magnetism beneath the surface. However, sometimes this magnetism bubbles up and is released in the form of solar flares, which project cosmic particles into space. Unfortunately for the Earth, scientists have noticed two sunspots on the surface of the Sun that could cause solar storms on our planet.
The space forecast site Cosmos Space Weather said: "Two groups of sunspots emerge on the sun side facing the Earth.
"Sunspots are islands of magnetism floating on the surface of the sun. Like all magnets, they have + and – poles.
"The AR2735 sunspot has a simple bipolar magnetic structure that identifies it as a member of the former solar cycle 24.
"The other sunspot, still unnumbered, has a more complex structure with multiple magnetic poles.
"Mixed polarity magnetic fields can cross and explode – a process known as" magnetic reconnection "that underlies solar flares."
Scientists could worry about two potential solar storms. The Met Office recently warned that we would face a monumental solar storm that could destroy British technology and cost the UK nearly £ 16 billion.
The country could be plunged into a power outage because it's not sufficiently prepared for strong solar storms, the Met Office told ministers.
The weather forecaster believes that the UK does not have sufficient infrastructure to prepare for such an event.
A Met Office researcher said: "We are seeing that for a 100-year event without spatial weather forecast capability, the loss of gross domestic product for the UK could reach £ 15.9 billion.
"With existing satellites reaching the end of their lives, forecasting capacity will decline in the coming years. Therefore, in the absence of additional investment, critical infrastructure will become more vulnerable to space weather. "
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