Sun - May 10, 2012

The features that we observe on the Sun are formed by areas of magnetic activity.  Sunspot group number 1476 near the upper right corner of the image dominates our view of the Sun today.  The main sunspot is surrounded by several smaller sunspots, and a trail of smaller sunspots follows.  Bright areas near the sunspot are active regions of magnetic activity.  In the lower half of the image, several dark streaks called filaments are actually loops of gas arcing out of the Sun. This image was taken on May 10, 2012 at 9:55 am.

Telescope: Lunt 100mm hydrogren-alpha telescope

Camera: Lumenera Skynyx 2-2M