News > Fast-growing sunspot may threaten Earth with flares and eruptions

Fast-growing sunspot may threaten Earth with flares and eruptions

A once-tiny spot on the sun's surface grew over the weekend to the size of Earth, potentially threatening our planet with radio blackout-causing solar flares and plasma eruptions that could trigger aurora displays.

The sun has been lively in the past few weeks, treating skywatchers at high latitudes and astronauts onboard the International Space Station to beautiful aurora displays.