The 'Solar Bird' Returns: Coronagraphs Detect Another Unexplained Anomaly Near the Sun

Amidst one of the most intense periods of solar activity seen in the last decade, space-based observatories have once again documented a mysterious phenomenon that continues to baffle the scientific community. On February 2, 2026, during a sequence of extreme solar flares, the LASCO C2 coronagraph aboard the SOHO (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory) captured a startling image. This visual anomaly bears a striking resemblance to an event recorded nearly a year prior, reigniting debates about its origin and nature.

At exactly 15:12 UTC, while researchers worldwide were focused on the aftermath of a massive X8.11-class flare, a distinct structure materialized within the instrument's field of view. The shape resembled a colossal bird or a high-speed projectile leaving a luminous trail in its wake. This sighting marks the second chapter of a cosmic mystery that first began on May 24, 2025, at approximately 10:00 UTC. During that initial encounter, the 'bird' displayed a 'wingspan' of roughly 150,000 kilometers—more than ten times the diameter of Earth—and was positioned 2 million kilometers above the solar surface before vanishing without a trace after just 20 minutes.

The recurrence of this anomaly during a period of violent solar turbulence, where 18 major flares were recorded within a 48-hour window, adds significant weight to the observation. When the first 'Solar Bird' appeared, scientists proposed two primary explanations. The most widely accepted theory among the instrument's developers suggests the image is the result of a high-energy galactic particle striking the telescope's CCD matrix. Dr. Karl Battams of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), which developed LASCO, has previously argued that the lack of motion blur—a feature expected of a physical object moving near the spacecraft—points toward a digital artifact. He noted that the complex shape could be caused by a cascade of secondary particles within the detector's silicon wafer.

However, a second hypothesis suggests that the 'bird' does not fit standard classifications of sensor noise. This alternative view posits that the image could represent the disintegration of a physical object, perhaps measuring tens or hundreds of meters in size, occurring just hundreds of kilometers away from the SOHO spacecraft. In this scenario, the object's projection against the solar disk would create the illusion of a massive structure near the Sun, explaining the lack of typical astronomical characteristics while accounting for its specific and repeatable form.

What makes this latest development truly exceptional is the repetition of the event. Having two nearly identical, extremely rare, and unexplained occurrences separated by a nine-month interval suggests that these are not merely random glitches. If these are indeed caused by particles, the energy levels and the specific interaction with the detector would have to be incredibly precise and consistent. Conversely, if these represent physical objects, their fundamental nature and the reasons for their destruction remain a profound enigma for modern astrophysics.

As active region 4386 moves into a geo-effective position, threatening further powerful eruptions, this optical anomaly serves as a poignant reminder of the universe's capacity for surprise. Even in an era defined by high-precision measurements, certain phenomena defy easy categorization. The 'Solar Bird' will likely remain within that elusive 0.1% of unexplained observations that drive scientific progress, forcing researchers to re-examine the intricacies of known solar processes and the limits of our observational technology.