Sol is very blank at present although there are old cycle active regions; seen here running diagonally from the lower left through the equator to the upper right. They constitute white spots with filaments (dark lines) near to their location.
The magnified image really shows what the active regions look like at present. Since we are at or very near to solar minimum, this is the most active the sun will get. Sunspot activity is non existent and it is expected that there will be no sunspots between now and when the first of the new cycle spots will emerge. (perhaps early March next year) They are typically seen at latitudes of 25+ degrees from the equator, when they do arrive.
So for now this is the most activity that you can expect. Prominences will still arise though, but to varying severity.
Nevertheless, they are still stunning images Paul. I like the detail you get of the surface (well it's not really the surface). Lots of granulation detail
and the fantastic Proms!
