Here are three active areas in extreme ultraviolet light on Nov. 1 and 2, 2011. NASA points out that the magnetic reactions of the two top areas make them reach for each other. “Above them, the magnetic field lines, made visible in extreme ultraviolet light by particles spiraling along them, rise out and loop back to the sun, constantly changing their structures,” writes the space agency.

 

Solar flares only influence our planet when they happen on an area of the sun pointed in our direction. So will these active areas cause problems for us? As these regions will eventually rotate towards us, NASA is keeping an eye on them.