Active Region

An active region on the Sun is an area with strong magnetic fields that appear darker or brighter than the surrounding areas. These regions often contain sunspots, which are cooler, darker spots, and are associated with intense magnetic activity. Such regions are capable of producing solar flares and coronal mass ejections—powerful bursts of energy and solar material that can impact space weather, satellite operations, and Earth's magnetic environment. Active regions are indicators of the Sun's magnetic complexity and play a key role in solar activity cycles.