On June 4, 2025, NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) captured images of the Sun revealing a large coronal hole, appearing as a 'mouth,' accompanied by two smaller holes resembling 'eyes.' This configuration gives the impression of a worried face. Coronal holes are cooler, less dense regions in the Sun's corona where the magnetic field opens, allowing solar wind to escape.
These areas appear dark in extreme ultraviolet light, indicating lower temperatures and densities. The solar wind emanating from these holes travels faster than usual, potentially causing geomagnetic storms on Earth. The 'mouth' coronal hole is estimated to be about five times the size of Jupiter, and the 'eyes' are each about the size of Jupiter.
While coronal holes are a normal part of the Sun's activity, the current configuration is noteworthy. The Sun is currently in Solar Cycle 25, which has already exceeded initial predictions and is expected to be near its maximum. The interaction of solar particles with Earth's magnetosphere can create auroras, but the current event is not expected to cause a major geomagnetic storm.