Researchers at the National Center for Atmospheric Research and Germany’s Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research have released this stunning image, a high-resolution computer model of a sunspot, created over a period of several weeks by a supercomputer performing at a rate of 76 trillion calculations per second. This is, to date, the most detailed model of a sunspot ever created. It will be used to study the evolution and dynamics of these solar features which so greatly affect our planet through their electromagnetic discharges.

Sunspots are, basically, cooler depressions in the surface of the sun that release massive amounts of magnetic energy and charged particles into the solar system. When Earth comes into the path of these streams of energy it can have negative effects on all kinds of electrical networks and devices, from communication systems to satellites, as well as affect the behavior of our own atmosphere.

“This is the first time we have a model of an entire sunspot,” says lead author Matthias Rempel, a scientist at NCAR’s High Altitude Observatory. “If you want to understand all the drivers of Earth’s atmospheric system, you have to understand how sunspots emerge and evolve.”

This new model illustrates complex associations between the central areas of the sunspot and the outer edges in a way that’s never been seen before. In addition to this image, several other views were created, as well as mesmerizing animations showing the processes in motion. View the press release from the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research’s site here, as well as links to more images.

While not a true “photo” from our planetary backyard, this is nonetheless a stunning image of one of the amazing features within our own solar system. With a representative scale of almost 24,000 miles across, this model sunspot is as wide as three Earths.

Image ©UCAR, image courtesy Matthias Rempel, NCAR.