A magnificent sun rises alongside the Basilica of Superga in Turin, Italy, with the massive sunspot AR 1476 in clear view.
Astrophotographer, Stefano de Rosa took this stunning photo on May 10. Measuring 60,000 miles (100,000 kilometers) across, the massive sunspot was first detected on May 5, 2012. Mission scientists dubbed it a “monster sunspot” because of its large size.
The giant sunspot AR 1476 triggered M-class solar flares that released blasts of radiation and magnetic solar plasma. M-class flares are the second-most powerful sun storms and often create dazzling displays of the Northern Lights. However, they are typically not strong enough to damage infrastructure or satellites near Earth.
Editor's note: If you have an amazing skywatching photo you'd like to share for a possible story or image gallery, please contact managing editor Tariq Malik at tmalik@space.com.
Follow SPACE.com for the latest in space science and exploration news on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook.
Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: community@space.com.
