A group of sunspots, labeled as Active Region 1520 rotated into view over the left side of the sun on July 7, 2012. The large spot on the bottom left stretches more than 11 Earths, or 87,000 miles across. The full chain of spots is closer to 200,000 miles across. This image was captured by amateur astronomer Alan Friedman on July 10.

Image courtesy of Alan Friedman

NASA image use policy.

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission.

Follow us on Twitter

Like us on Facebook