The sun with sunspots January 15 & 17  2005

Although unusual during the waning phases of the 11 year sunspot cycle, this large sunspot emerged during mid to late January. It was large enough to be visible (with proper eye protection) with the unaided eye. The sun is a seething mass of fractured, ionized, and highly energetic atoms and particles. Sunspots are often the points from which mass ejections of such particles occur. Between Jan 15 and 20 seven such eruptions occurred. Four of them were powerful X-ray flares accompanied by billion ton clouds of ionized particles. One unique eruption included a wave of the most numerous and energetic protons in decades. Our planet's magnetic field and substantial atmosphere protect us from most of this, but the they were strong enough to overwhelm some the more sensitive ground detectors. They  produced some of the brightest aurora in years in Europe, and temporarily shut down a number of satellites.

10" F6.3 Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope, Canon 300D at prime focus
1/250 sec, ISO 50
slight color and contrast adjustment