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We’re not kidding when we say that you can see a huge sunspot from Earth.
A newly discovered sunspot has grown so large that you can see it without using a telescope at all, although you’ll still need eye protection. Normally, it takes a huge telescope and a ton of specialized equipment and filters to see a bright spot on the sun.
To demonstrate just how massive AR3310 is, South Korean astronomer Bum-suk Yeom created the image above. This compares the size of AR3310 to Earth.
Neck-Eye Sunspot: This sunspot is area AR3310. It is rare that it is large enough to be seen without the aid of a telescope. Never look directly at the Sun through binoculars or a telescope! The sunglasses are bad too. Get some welder’s glass #14 from your local hardware store. pic.twitter.com/HmVAgCXAtu
— Keith Strong (@drkstrong) May 23, 2023
Sunspot AR3310 is a large, dark spot on the Sun that is about four times the size of Earth. This is brought about by particularly powerful magnetic fields that are entangled with each other.
Today’s Sun observation through lots of clouds. 11 groups containing 63 distinct sunspots as we say goodbye to old friend AR3310 and wait to see what happens next. 1/2 @storm @ThePhotoHour #astrophotography #astronomy pic.twitter.com/UfCqao8f4a
— Peter Lewis (@PeterLewis55) May 29, 2023
While AR3310 was visible, astronomers and astrophotographers around the world observed it, resulting in some amazing photos of the Sun and this giant sunspot.
See also: Massive sunspot could erupt at any time; Is our planet heading towards doom?
un petit tour sur le #only Crazy secret century with …
Les Belles Taches Solaires
AR3315-AR3310-AR3312 pic.twitter.com/9sYvm6dWlX– Mer et Montane🦠 ⛷⛷⛷ (@fermesolaire) May 28, 2023
According to Space.com, if you want to observe AR3310 for yourself, you’ll need at least some solar glasses. To view the Sun safely, you should use the same type of glasses you would normally use for viewing a solar eclipse.
Cover Image: Representative Image
