The magnetic fields of sunspot 1069 are in a state of considerable agitation today. Click here to launch a 16-hour time-lapse movie from the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO)

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© SOHO Extreme UV Telescope; May 8, 0000 - 1600 UT
The magnetic turmoil you just observed is giving rise to repeated explosions. The sunspot is literally crackling with C-class solar flares. Because of the sunspot's location near the sun's western limb, these explosions are not directed toward Earth. It's just a good show. Readers with backyard solar telescopes are encouraged to monitor the action.

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