Sunspot Group AR 2192 Crackles
Image Credit:
Solar Dynamics Observatory,
NASA
One of the largest sunspot groups in recent years is now crossing the Sun.
Labelled
Active Region 2192, it has already thrown a
powerful solar flare
and has the potential to produce more.
The featured video
shows a time lapse sequence of the Sun in visible and ultraviolet light taken yesterday and incorporating the previous 48 hours.
AR 2192, rotating in from the left, rivals
Jupiter in size and is literally crackling with magnetic energy.
The active Sun
has caused some
spectacular auroras in recent days,
and energetic particles originating from
AR 2192 may help continue them over the next week.
Tomorrow, the Sun will appear unusual for even another reason: a
partial solar eclipse will be
visible before sunset from much of North America.