Astronomy Picture of the Day

Violent Sunspot Group AR 1302 Unleashes a Flare  Image Credit: jp-BrahicExplanation: One of the most active sunspot groups in years is currently crossing the Sun. AR 1302 first came around the Sun's edge last week and is so large it can be seen without a telescope. Coronal Mass Ejections from AR 1302 have already caused strong geomagnetic storms including notable aurora activity around both of Earth's poles. Pictured above, plasma was left magnetically hanging above the Sun's ... Full Story