Scientists are observing a huge sunspot on the sun called AR3664 that is 15 times wider than Earth.
It is one of the largest and most active sunspots seen in this solar cycle.
It has erupted with numerous powerful solar flares in recent days, including an X2.25 class flare on May 9th.
X-class flares are the strongest type of solar flares.
The solar flare caused shortwave radio blackouts across parts of Europe and Africa.
Solar flares emit intense bursts of radiation that can disrupt radio signals when aimed at Earth.
In size, the sunspot rivals Carrington’s sunspot from 1859, which caused one of the largest geomagnetic storms on record.
Scientists are monitoring this large and active sunspot closely as it continues to face Earth for possible impacts on our planet. Its size makes it observable even without telescopes or solar viewing glasses.
Source: Space
