New sunspot four times the size of Earth is largest in almost a decade

[onehandle]

A titanic sunspot—about four times the size of Earth—has appeared on Jan. 1, 2014. Called AR1944, it's the largest sunspot in almost a decade. This image from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory shows it compared to our planet. They are so large you can see them with your naked eye.

Another image taken on January 5 by Jürg Alean, shows them at sunset. Remember to use protection when looking directly to the sun.

http://sploid.gizmodo.com/a-sunspot-four-times-the-size-of-earth-has-appeared-on-1497000839

I've done sunspot spotting during high activity. Just another one of infinite things in the universe that make you feel quite teeny.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

1. Awww...the sun is just another attention seeker.

[Xipe Totec]

2. I don't think it is advisable to see them with your naked eye.

Just saying...

[Liberal Veteran]

3. But mama, That's where the fun is. -nt

[Xipe Totec]

4. ...

[PasadenaTrudy]

10. I loved that movie!

I have the soundtrack somewhere...

[Fumesucker]

8. I've seen sunspots with the naked eye before

My drive home from work used to take me over the top of a hill where the setting sun was shining right in my face, every now and then the sun would be almost at the horizon and I could look at it directly, on several occasions I saw sunspots.

[Berlum]

5. CME headed toward Earth

...will arrive early hours of Friday, reports say.

[longship]

6. An X1 level CME. Watch for aurora.

Here in MI it's f*cking cold and cloudy.

But some may get a glimpse if auroras happen.

[Berlum]

7. Beauty Above

[Liberal Veteran]

9. I'm hoping. 2004 was the last good aurora event here.

For a couple of hours the sky was just incredible. Curtains, rays, and corona the entire time. Better than any fireworks show.