The current sunspot is 2,140 millionths of this area. By comparison, the entire surface area of the Earth is only 169 millionths of the Sun's visible hemisphere. One of the best close-up images of the sunspot was obtained by amateur astronomer Franky Dubois from his private observatory in Belgium. Mr Dubois told BBC News Online that it was one of the most spectacular sunspots he had ever seen. Solar telescopes around the world have already focused on the sunspot to analyse its detailed structure and how it will change over time.
Astronomers are keen to point out that to observe sunspots care is needed.
They say no-one should ever look directly at the Sun under any circumstances, with or without optical aids, as this can cause blindness.