Sunspots

Sunspots are temporary phenomena on the Sun's photosphere that appear as dark spots compared to surrounding areas. They are caused by intense magnetic activity, which inhibits convection and leads to lower surface temperatures in those areas.

Formation of Sunspots

Sunspots are formed by the interactions of the Sun's magnetic field and the plasma (ionized gas) on the Sun's surface. They often occur in pairs or groups, with each sunspot having a north and south magnetic pole.

Characteristics of Sunspots

Sunspots appear dark because they are cooler than the surrounding surface of the Sun. They can vary in size, with larger sunspots being visible from Earth without the need for a telescope. Sunspots can also persist for varying lengths of time, from hours to several months.

Study Guide

1. What causes sunspots to form?
2. Why do sunspots appear dark compared to surrounding areas on the Sun's surface?
3. How are sunspots related to the Sun's magnetic field?
4. What are the characteristics of sunspots in terms of size and persistence?
5. How do sunspots affect space weather and communications on Earth?

For further understanding of sunspots, it's recommended to research the solar cycle and its impact on sunspot activity, as well as the effects of sunspots on Earth's atmosphere and technology.