image: The physical correlation of magnetic intensity and sunspots is clearly revealed when we fade back and forth between a filtered (i.e., white light) image of the Sun with a magnetic image (magnetogram) taken at the same time (Dec. 18, 2014). Two large sunspot groups with strong magnetic intensity stand out in both the magnetic and white light images. In magnetogram images the stronger black and white areas indicate more powerful polarity. The fading between the two kinds of images helps to underscore the magnetic intensity of sunspots. These two active regions have unleashed a number of flares. We're keeping a close eye on them or more activity. view more
Credit: NASA/Solar Dynamics Observatory