The above time-lapse sequence shows AR 9393 as it evolved from 27 March to April 2 to become over 10 times larger than our Earth . Just after the end of the movie, on April 2, AR 9393 unleashed the largest solar flare of the last 25 years . Luckily, the flare was not pointed toward the Earth, or flare particles might have damaged satellites or even caused local electrical blackouts . This and solar activity from Monday should cause significant aurorae over the next two nights. Currently, no one knows for sure.
Specific rights apply .