Dr. Holly Gilbert from NASA discusses the significance of a massive sunspot, the largest in 24 years, and its potential impact on Earth. Sunspots are regions on the Sun with strong magnetic fields, leading to solar storms and Coronal Mass Ejections. These can affect Earth's technology by interacting with its magnetic field. NASA, along with NOAA, monitors sunspots using the Solar Dynamics Observatory and other missions. A new mission, MMS, will study solar flare processes. For more information, visit nasa.gov/sunearth.

What are sunspots and how do they appear compared to the surrounding area?

Why is it important to study sunspots and the solar storms associated with them?

What potential effects can solar storms have on technology here on Earth?

What missions does NASA have in place to study sunspots and solar activity?

Where can individuals go to learn more about NASA's missions related to sunspots?