Sun Spots observed from Space Centre

After a period of little activity since 2007, large sun spots have been observed from the Space Centre... 

Clive Purchase (pictured right), resident astronomer at the Space Centre, was interested to see the sun spots in June 2009, as there have been very few since 2007.  Some of the spots observed are several times the size of the Earth, although seen through the powerful telescope they appear as mere freckles on the surface of the Sun.

Although the link is not conclusive, periods of inactivity on the surface of the Sun are associated with dry weather conditions or cold winters on Earth, while greater activity is associated with milder, wetter conditions here.