Sunspot complex 1147-1149 is so big, people are beginning to notice it without the aid of a solar telescope. Stefano De Rosa "spotted" the twin cores at sunrise on Jan. 23rd:

Image
© Stefano De Rosa
"The sun was climbing a hill by the Basilica of Superga," says De Rosa. "[Because the low-hanging sun was so dim], we could see the sunspots above the treeline."

Caution: Even when the sun is dimmed by clouds or low altitude, it is still dangerously bright. Direct sunlight beaming through the optics of cameras can instantly damage your eyes. If you attempt to photograph the sun using a digital camera, do not peer through the viewfinder. The LCD screen is a safer place to look. The links below are safest of all; browse and enjoy.

More images: from Jim Saueressig II of Burlington, Kansas; from Francois Rouviere of Mougins, France; from Pavol Rapavy of Observatory Rimavska Sobota, Slovakia; from Julius Jahre Sætre of Vestfold, Norway; from Francois Rouviere of Mougins, France; from John Nassr of Baguio, Philippines; from Matteo Medeghini of Sant'Ilario d'Enza, Reggio Emilia, Italy