Sun about to enter ‘Solar Maximum’ phase; large sunspot groups seen – PAGASA

Sunspot group (Image courtesy of PAGASA)

by Charie Mae F. Abarca, Manila Bulletin

The state weather bureau on Thursday, April 21, released images of the Sun showing three large sunspot groups.

“Sunspots are areas on the Sun’s surface that are relatively cooler and appear dark[er] than its surroundings,” said PAGASA.

The patches, according to the state weather bureau, are “roughly the size” of Earth or about 20 up to 40 times larger than a typical sunspot.

Meanwhile, PAGASA likewise explained that the recent increase in solar activities is expected as the Sun is entering a new phase.

“The Sun is entering the Solar Maximum phase of its current solar cycle where there will be an expected increase in solar activities [such as] frequent solar flares, increased number of sunspots and the like,” said PAGASA.

“Do not look at the Sun directly without a special filter to protect your eyes,” the state weather bureau warned.

Why The Sun Shines More Brightly Than The Moon...

A Philippine Fairytale...

Long, long ago there lived a fairy with two beautiful daughters. Araw, the elder daughter, was very amiable and had a kindly disposition; but Buwan, unlike her sister, was disobedient, cruel and harsh. She was always finding fault with Araw. One night, when the fairy came home from her nocturnal rambles and saw Buwan badly mistreating her elder sister, she asked God for help against her unruly daughter.

Before this time, God had prepared very valuable gifts for the two sisters. These gifts were two enormous diamonds that could light the whole universe. When God heard the prayer of the fairy, he descended to earth disguised as a beggar. On learning for himself how bad-tempered Buwan was, and how sweet and kind-hearted Araw, God gave the older sister her diamond as an reward. Buwan was greatly angered by this favoritism of the Almighty, so she went to the heavenly kingdom  and stole one of God's diamonds. Then she returned to the earth with the precious stone, but there she found that her jewel was not so brilliant as Araw's.

When God went back to Heaven and learned what Buwan had done, he sent two angels to punish her. But the angels abused their commission: they seized both sisters and hurled them into the sea. Then they threw the two stones upward into the sky, and there they stuck. But Araw's diamond was bigger and brighter than the one Buwan stole. Thereafter the bigger jewel was called Araw ('day' or 'sun'), and the smaller one Buwan ('moon').

SMART, GLOBE, SUN - An Amazing Cellphone Company Competition in The Philippines

The cellphone companies' competition in the Philippines is becoming smarter and smarter, more globally under the sun. 

Speaking of competition: Leading wireless service provider SMART  is rallying running enthusiasts and nature lovers (including me) to join an advocacy run for the benefit of the environment.

Dubbed "Run for the Environment', the event will be held in partnership with the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature - Philippines) on May 22, at 5 a.m. at SM City of Davao City.

Be there and JOIN! See you there!

And check out more:

http://www.germaninthephilippines.tropicalpenpals.com