BIG NEW SUNSPOT

SpaceWeather ^ | December 16, 2009 | SpaceWeather

[SpaceBar]

New sunspot 1035 is growing rapidly and it is now seven times wider than Earth. This makes it an easy target for backyard solar telescopes. ... The magnetic polarity of the spot identifies it as a member of Solar Cycle 24--the cycle we've been waiting for to end the deepest solar minimum in nearly a century. One spot isn't enough to end the lull, but sunspot 1035 could herald bigger things to come.

[b4its2late]

We’re doomed!

[WakeUpAndVote]

Dave, what are you doing?

[gimme1ibertee]

And that means...?

[chemicalman]

The end of global warming!!!

[GeronL]

Does this mean the skies will darken?

Will Earth be hit by massive molten ejecta?

film at 11.... if we’re still here.. hahhhahahahhahahaha

[pieceofthepuzzle]

It means that the monoliths are reproducing..

[SpaceBar]

Click link for a nice photo. Lower left, click the thumbnail.

[gimme1ibertee]

Oh,dear GOD! Thank you!!! Thank you!! I was beginning to perspire!! :P

[hennie pennie]

*ping*

[RobRoy]

False alarm. It’s not a sunspot. It’s a cowlick.

[ßuddaßudd]

¡ We’re saved !

[Yo-Yo]

The Sun needs some ProActiv®

[GeronL]

I’m sorry Dave.

[Adams]

George Bush’s fault.....

[Izzy Dunne]

Of more immediate significance is the story before that:

INCOMING CME: This morning at 0120 UT, an eruption of magnetic fields around sunspot 1035 produced a long-duration C4-class solar flare and hurled a coronal mass ejection (CME) in the general direction of Earth. Details of the blast will become clear when more data are downloaded from the SOHO and STEREO spacecraft. Meanwhile, high-latitude sky watchers should prepare for auroras when the CME arrives on or about Dec. 18th.

That means possibilities for Northern Lights, satellite comm disruptions and other excitements increase.

[WakeUpAndVote]

[Cicero]

The magnetic polarity of the spot identifies it as a member of Solar Cycle 24--the cycle we've been waiting for to end the deepest solar minimum in nearly a century. One spot isn't enough to end the lull, but sunspot 1035 could herald bigger things to come. Stay tuned for updates.

Actually, if this is correct, it may mean that the current solar minimum, which is resulting in a lot of very cold weather, may be about to give place to the next solar cycle.

That's good news for those of use who live in the colder parts of the country. As for the warmists, we just have to point out that it's getting a bit warmer because of the sun spot cycle, not because of farting cows.

[doggieboy]

Ice Age. Stock up on parkas.

[KYGrandma]

Yeah!!! I took the dog out this morning in 20 degree weather. In KY that is too cold for December. This is January weather.