STORM2K

I don't think I have ever seen som much acitivity on a solar minimum. I mean I know they do happen, but why the dark areas??

I don't have an answer for you. I viewed the picture this morning somewhere else but there was no explanation of it either.

The large dark area is a coronal hole which is a source of a high speed Solar wind stream which is expected to become geoeffective in two more days causing an increase in Geomagnetic activity (though not enough to bring bright auroral activity). There are currently two active regions on the Sun one of which is rotating off today. You think this is active, you should see these images when it's REALLY active. BTW Solar Min is next year.

Steve

Looks like the inevitable breakdown of an "Everlasting Gobstopper" to me.

The darker areas are cooler spots where you can stand and watch the rest of the soalr activity.