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.
