Sunspot AR4079, located in the Sun's northeast quadrant, is the largest recorded sunspot of 2025 [1, 3]. Stretching over 140,000 kilometers across the solar disk, it is six to seven times the width of Earth [1, 2].
This massive dark region covers an area equivalent to 50% of the sunspot observed during the 1859 Carrington Event [3]. Its immense size allows it to be observed safely with solar eclipse glasses, without needing a telescope [1, 6, 7].
AR4079's two cores are large enough to engulf Earth [2, 3]. Solar fibrils, some extending up to 20,000 kilometers, are present [3]. The sunspot has already produced multiple C-class flares, and its magnetic configuration suggests the potential for M-class and even X-class flares [1]. Scientists are closely monitoring AR4079 for further activity [1].
Solar Cycle 25 is currently underway, with solar maximum expected to occur in July 2025 [4, 5]. Sunspots like AR4079 are common during this period of increased solar activity [4, 11].
Update [2025-05-03]: AR4079 has lost its delta region and now shows a beta-gamma configuration. It remains stable with only C (common) and B (weak) flares [1].