An international team of solar physicists has set a groundbreaking record by tracking a single hyperactive region on the Sun, designated NOAA 13664, for an unprecedented 94 consecutive days in 2024. This achievement, made possible through coordinated observations from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory and the European Space Agency's Solar Orbiter, marks a significant milestone in solar physics. The region was monitored from its emergence on the far side of the Sun on April 16, 2024, until its complete decay after July 18, 2024.

The 94-day observation period spanned three full solar rotations, dramatically extending beyond the typical two-week visibility window available to Earth-based telescopes. During this time, NOAA 13664 produced an extraordinary 969 solar flares, including 38 powerful X-class events and 146 M-class flares. These eruptions were responsible for the historic G5-level geomagnetic storms in May 2024 that triggered widespread auroral displays visible across much of Earth.

Ioannis Kontogiannis, a solar physicist at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich and co-leader of the study, described the effort as a landmark accomplishment. The research, published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, offers a comprehensive "cradle-to-grave" analysis of how complex magnetic structures evolve on the Sun. Such detailed insights are considered essential for advancing the accuracy of space weather forecasting.

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The Sun's active regions typically rotate out of Earth's direct view quickly, making long-term tracking difficult. The unique vantage point provided by Solar Orbiter since 2020 has enabled continuous monitoring of these far-side developments. Scientists emphasize that understanding the full lifecycle of these regions is crucial as the Sun approaches the peak of Solar Cycle 25 later in 2026, when activity is expected to intensify.

This record-breaking observation underscores the importance of sustained solar monitoring for protecting modern technology from space weather impacts. Researchers hope the detailed dataset will improve predictions of solar eruptions and their potential effects on Earth's magnetic field, satellite operations, and power infrastructure. As Kontogiannis noted, living with this star makes it essential to observe and comprehend its behavior thoroughly.

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