Fact Sheet
Active Sun
Three large sunspot groups shine brightly in this March 26 X-ray image from the orbiting SOHO solar observatory. Sunspots are relatively cool magnetic storms in the Sun's atmosphere. Sunspots have been rare over the last few years as the Sun passed through the quiet phase of its 11-year magnetic cycle. A new cycle has just started, and will build to a peak around 2013. At the cycle's peak, sunspots like these will be a common sight. The high levels of magnetic activity may affect communications with orbiting satellites, create problems with electric grids, and cause other technological mischief. [SOHO/ESA]
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