Aphelion

This is sunspot group AR1785 followed by AR1787. I have superimposed the Earth to scale. AR1785 is currently harbouring energy likely to produce X class flares. As the Sun rotates we will be increasingly in line to receive the effects from any eruption. Aurora watchers should stay alert!
Today at 3.00pm the Earth was at its most distant from the Sun in its annual orbit. This is known as Aphelion. I took some shots to compare to next January when we will be at Perihelion, closest approach. Ideally I will be able to post a pairing to show the size difference.