The large group of sunspots known to scientists as AR2403 has now rotated out of view, around the sun’s limb, but it was spectacular when it was visible. As the sun spun on its axis, it appeared to move across the sun’s visible face over six days, from August 21 to 26, 2015, starting out as a single cluster, and gradually separating into distinct groups. According to NASA:
This region produced several medium-sized, or M-class, flares, but only one greater than M5-class. These were the only significant spots on the sun during this period.
We received several photos of the sunspot region from friends on Facebook and G+. Thanks to all who posted!
Bottom line: It didn’t produce any X flares, but it was spectacular to view on the sun for six days, from August 21 to 26. See photos from space and from the EarthSky community.
Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. In 2020, she won the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society, the largest organization of professional astronomers in North America. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.
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