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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PAGASA issues sunspot warning: 'Never directly look at the sun'

PAGASA issues sunspot warning: 'Never directly look at the sun'

Published Feb 11, 2024 02:33 am

Sunspots or "dark patches," caused by "concentrated magnetic fields" were observed on the sun, an event that plays an important role in the solar cycle, which occurs every 11 years. 

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(PAGASA)

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Sunday, Feb. 11 warned the public to "never" directly look at the sun without protection, as the sunspots can cause "serious harm" to the eyes, which may lead to permanent damage like blindness.

"Always use approved solar filters designed for safe solar viewing," said PAGASA.

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PAGASA

PAGASA explained  the sunspots may be "worrisome," yet still connotated it as a "natural aspect" of the actions of the sun.

"This cycle, driven by the solar dynamo, governs the Sun's alternating periods of heightened and reduced activity," it said.

PAGASA also noted that sunspots can affect technological systems including satellites and communication networks, however, the impacts are amenable.

"Thus, it's important to recognize sunspots and the solar cycle as regular phenomena, enriching our understanding of solar dynamics without causing undue concern," it said.

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