A sunspot almost four times as wide as Earth

[Peterae]

BIG SUNSPOT: A sunspot almost four times as wide as Earth itself is rotating onto the solar disk.
http://www.spaceweather.com/



The sunspot has a 'beta-gamma' magnetic field that harbors energy for strong M-class solar flares. Indeed, it has already unleashed an M3-class eruption on March 2nd that created mild waves of ionization in the atmosphere over Europe.

Earth-effects could become stronger as the sunspot turns toward our planet in the days ahead. NOAA forecasters estimate a 55% chance of additional M-class flares and a 5% chance of an X-flare during the next 24 hours.