A massive sunspot threatens to blast Earth with powerful solar flares

Astronomers have warned that a massive sunspot developing on the Sun's 

Earth-facing side has the potential to launch powerful solar flares capable of causing widespread disruption

Sunspot region 3089 is one of four sunspot regions being monitored for the possibility of a significant flare

 The only one capable of causing a powerful geomagnetic storm in the Earth's atmosphere

A few days ago, this sunspot region was active, but it has since quieted down

 Earth-facing side has the potential to release powerful solar flares capable of causing widespread disruption

 On December 5 and 6, 2006, triggered a CME that interfered with GPS signals sent to ground-based receivers

Many satellites and spacecraft can be protected from the worst effects with advance warning

 The only one capable of causing a powerful geomagnetic storm in the Earth's atmosphere

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