faculae \fac"u*l[ae]\, n. pl. [L., pl. of facula a little
   torch.] (Astron.)
   Groups of small shining spots on the surface of the sun which
   are brighter than the other parts of the photosphere. They
   are generally seen in the neighborhood of the dark spots, and
   are supposed to be elevated portions of the photosphere.
   --Newcomb.
   [1913 Webster]