Washington: NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) has spotted an image of a gigantic sunspot - the largest in last 24 years.
The flare erupted from a particularly large active region dubbed as AR 12192.
The sunspot soon grew to be the largest active region observed in the current solar cycle - a periodic change in the Sun's activity and appearance - which began in 2008.
This is the fourth substantial X-class flare from this active region since October 19.
"The sunspot region is about 80,000 miles across, which is wide enough for 10 Earths to be laid across its diameter," NASA said in a statement.
X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength.
Solar flares are powerful bursts of radiation. Harmful radiation from a flare cannot pass through Earth's atmosphere to physically affect humans on the ground.
These can also disturb the atmosphere in the layer where GPS and communications signals travel.
The flare erupted from a particularly large active region dubbed as AR 12192.
The sunspot soon grew to be the largest active region observed in the current solar cycle - a periodic change in the Sun's activity and appearance - which began in 2008.
"The sunspot region is about 80,000 miles across, which is wide enough for 10 Earths to be laid across its diameter," NASA said in a statement.
Advertisement
Solar flares are powerful bursts of radiation. Harmful radiation from a flare cannot pass through Earth's atmosphere to physically affect humans on the ground.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
NASA Shares Rare Picture Of South Africa's Largest River As Seen From Space This US City Has Been Declared America's Least Desirable, Survey Finds NASA To Decide Stranded Starliner Astronauts' Route Home By End Of Month Who Is Jasveen Sangha, "Ketamine Queen" Charged For Matthew Perry's Death "Don't Expect Anything From Me": Kolkata Hospital's New Principal Loses Cool Nurse Raped, Killed On Way Home, Body Found 9 Days Later In UP Manipuri Girl's 'Jana Gana Mana' Rendition Goes Viral, Wins Praise Online "Appreciate Nikki Haley's Advice But Will Do It My Way": Donald Trump Donald Trump Criticises Gaza Ceasefire Call, Wants Israel To "Win Fast" Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.