As the Sun Turns: Solar Minimums and Maximums

[Maria]

Old sunspot 2360 (from two weeks ago) has resurfaced as a huge sunspot 2373

[Barbara]

Incredible ! Thanks, Maria, for keeping us informed about all this solar activity. I would never be aware of any of it if you didn't post all these pics and news.

[Maria]

Thank you, Barbara!

Oh, a new video produced by a young Harvard student. He speaks a little fast (probably nervous).

[Maria]

It takes about 7 to 9 minutes for a solar flare to reach earth.

http://services.swpc.noaa.gov/images/go ... 6-hour.gif

BREAKING NEWS:

Today, we have had two M-1 class solar flares: one early this morning at 0844 UT (1:44 AM PDT) and now this one around 2040 UT (1:40 PM PDT), almost 12 hours later.

NOAA predicts that this new sunspot, AR2381, could unleash even stronger flares. Be prepared.

http://www.spaceweather.com/images2015/ ... strip2.gif

[Maria]

Newly developing sunspot could unleash solar flares.

Click http://www.spaceweather.com/images2015/ ... gtns89sht1
and watch this video:

[Barbara]

That's amazing to be able to see the animated version. Is this a new feature of E. Cafe ?!

[Barbara]

I heard of something unusual, a "Full Circle Rainbow" AROUND the SUN !

Here is a video of one in the state of Maharashtra, India. Bombay, or Mumbai, is the famous capital of this western Indian state.

The Full Circle Rainbow doesn't look very impressive in the clip. But when you realize how rare the phenomenon is, it commands more attention :

[less than a minute in length]

It seems there was at least 1 occurrence this summer. The date is unclear.