Sunspots

Sunspots are temporary phenomena on the Sun's photosphere that appear as dark spots compared to surrounding regions. They are caused by interactions with the Sun's magnetic field, and they often occur in pairs or groups.

Cause of Sunspots

Sunspots are caused by the Sun's magnetic field becoming twisted due to the differential rotation of the Sun's surface. This twisted magnetic field inhibits the flow of heat from the Sun's interior, leading to the cooler and darker appearance of sunspots.

Characteristics of Sunspots

• Sunspots appear darker than the surrounding areas on the Sun's surface.
• They are typically cooler than the surrounding photosphere, with temperatures around 3,000-4,500 degrees Celsius compared to the average photospheric temperature of 5,500 degrees Celsius.
• Sunspots can vary in size, from a few thousand kilometers to as large as 100,000 kilometers in diameter.
• They often occur in pairs or groups, with opposite magnetic polarities.

Study Guide

Here are some key points to remember when studying sunspots:

1. Understand the cause of sunspots and how they are related to the Sun's magnetic field.
2. Learn about the characteristics of sunspots, including their appearance, temperature, and size.
3. Explore the connection between sunspots and solar activity, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
4. Consider the historical significance of sunspot observations and their impact on our understanding of the Sun's behavior.

Remember to review diagrams and images of sunspots to familiarize yourself with their appearance and arrangements on the Sun's surface.

Good luck with your studies!