Solar activity surges on the eve of South Pacific eclipse

Fast-growing sunspot 1087 is crackling with C-class solar flares. A spectacular eruption recorded by the Solar Dynamics Observatory is featured on today's edition of Spaceweather.com.

This surge in activity comes on the eve of a total eclipse of the sun over the South Pacific.

On Sunday, July 11th, the new Moon will pass in front of the sun, producing an eclipse of rare beauty over the South Pacific. Best observing sites include Easter Island, the Cook Islands, the waters off Tahiti, and southern parts of Chile and Argentina.

Will eclipse chasers see material blasting away from the sun when the Moon hides the blinding stellar surface? It's a possibility.

Stay tuned to http://spaceweather.com for updates and pictures from the path of totality