spaceweather.com
BIG SOUTHERN SUNSPOTS: One of the biggest sunspot groups of Solar Cycle 24 is emerging near the sun's southeastern limb. AR1785 has a "beta-gamma-delta" magnetic field that harbors energy for powerful X-class solar flares. Another active region trailing behind it, AR1787, is only slightly less potent, with a magnetic field capable of M-class eruptions. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory photographed the sprawling complex during the early hours of July 5th:
These sunspots are a sign that the sun's southern hemisphere is waking up. For most of the current solar cycle, the northern half of the sun has dominated sunspot counts and flare production. The south has been lagging behind--until now. June brought a surge in southern sunspots, and the trend is continuing in July. This "southern awakening" could herald a double-peaked Solar Maximum due in late 2013-early 2014.
The largest dark cores in sunspot complex AR1785-1787 are as wide as Earth, making the ensemble an easy target for backyard solar telescopes. Amateur astronomers are encouraged to monitor developments, as NOAA forecasters estimate a 40% chance of M-flares during the next 24 hours.
Comments
I don't particularly think Suspicious0bservers hypes up sun spots, I feel more less he is interested in educating people about the increasing knowledge of the sun that are new concept to society. He actually points out that the so called solar maximum was lacking big time despite what scientist had predicted. And that out Atmosphere is in dire need of several moderate sized flares that we still have yet to bounce back from.
I particularly hope too see some action out of this one maybe a little grid disruption will serve as a wake up call to not just the suns potential but the potential for anything.
I am becoming immune to sun spot fear, For a year now suspicious observer keeps saying look out here comes another one, over and over again. If it is coming we will know soon enough to do whatever you have prepared to do. This one looks a little nasty with the coronal hole coming to face us also. To add to the fear Ed Dames send me a Kill Shot warning every week I am sure he has made me turn my head also.