Approaching active sunspot region aiming Earth

A significant active region is set to emerge over the sun's northeastern limb. The underlying sunspots are not yet visible from Earth, but the region's towering magnetic canopy is already in view.

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) took this picture during the early hours of Feb. 23rd:

A better view is had by NASA's STEREO-B probe, stationed over the sun's eastern limb where it can see the region from top down. Recent movies beamed back by STEREO-B show flashes of extreme UV radiation and hints of magnetic instability. This could herald a period of renewed solar activity when the region turns toward Earth in the days ahead. Or the action could peter out beforehand. (SpaceWeather)

Current sun status:
X-ray Solar Flares
6-hr max: B4 1840 UT Feb23
24-hr: C1 1223 UT Feb23

Planetary K-index
Now: Kp= 0 quiet
24-hr max: Kp= 1 quiet

Interplanetary Mag. Field
Btotal: 4.1 nT
Bz: 0.6 nT north

Eye

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