Largest Sunspot in Years Observed on the Sun

[Still Waters]

One of the largest sunspots in years has appeared on the sun, darkening part of its glowing face.

The massive sunspot, called AR1339, is about 50,000 miles (80,000 km) long, and 25,000 miles (40,000 km) wide, reports SpaceWeather.com. For comparison, Earth itself is only 8,000 miles (12,800 km) wide.

The sunspot behemoth isn't yet facing our planet, but was spotted today (November 3) by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) satellite.

Read more...

[sean6]

Warning: Magnetic 'Death Vortex' Now Approaching

http://beforeitsnews.com/story/1322/351/Warning:_Magnetic_Death_Vortex_Now_Approaching.html

[StoneSmasher]

Bad news. Always a chance of a CME when those suckers are pointed our way. Probably nothing, but one of these days it will be a disaster.

[Still Waters]

Update -

Giant Sunspot Now Aimed Directly at Earth

The largest active region seen on the sun since 2005 has rotated to the center of the sun's face, as seen from Earth—which means any eruptions it produces will be aimed right at us.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/11/111110-sunspots-ar1339-earth-jupiter-solar-flare-auroras-space-science/

[sean6]

'Monster sunspot' spurs solar storm warning

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/47339655/ns/technology_and_science-space/