When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.Sunspot region 4366 pictured on Feb.4, 2026 by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory. | Credit: NASA Solar Dynamic Observatory via Helioviewer.orgA monstrous sunspot region 15-Earths-wide is currently so large it can be seen without binoculars or telescopes. But you’ll still need proper eye protection. Here’s how you can spot it without putting your vision at risk.Sunspots are relatively cool regions in the sun’s atmosphere that form around areas of intense magnetic activity. Because they are cooler than their surroundings they appear dark from Earth and are often associated with short-lived explosions known as solar flares as well as powerful coronal mass ejections (CMEs) — vast expulsions of plasma driven by violent shifts in the sun’s magnetic field.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe sunspot region 4366 is a particularly impressive specimen, having grown significantly since it rotated into view on Jan. 30. It has since unleashed over 20 powerful M- and X-class solar flares — the most potent category of solar flare — triggering radio blackouts upon reaching Earth.Quality protective eyewear must be used at all times when observing the sun, as doing so without it can lead to permanent vision loss. If you want to spot AR4366 for yourself, you’ll need a pair of solar eclipse glasses to nullify the sun’s intense ultraviolet and infrared radiation and remember, standard off-the-shelf sunglasses won’t offer adequate protection.With the proper equipment, AR4366 will appear as a small black blotch close to the center of the solar disk, positioned a little above the sun’s equator. You’ll get a clearer view of the sunspot cluster using a pair of dedicated sungazing binoculars such as the Lunt SUNoculars and Celestron Eclipsmart, though for a true close-up of our parent star, you’ll need a telescope fitted with a solar filter from a reputable brand.Sunspot region 4366 pictured on Feb.4, 2026 by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory. Earth inset for scale. | Credit: NASA Solar Dynamic Observatory via Helioviewer.orgAR4366 won’t disappear from view for another few days and, given its short history, is likely to spawn more powerful flares — and potentially accompanying CMEs capable of sparking geomagnetic storm conditions and possible northern lights — before it disperses.AdvertisementAdvertisementWant to be read …
