What are Sunspots?
A dark patch on the surface of the sun. Sunspots usually occur in clusters and last about two weeks. The number of visible sunspots fluctuates in an eleven-year cycle. It has been suggested that the sun is 1% cooler when it has no spots, and that this variation in solar radiation might affect the climates of the earth. - Geographical Dictionary
Who discovered Sunspots?
Galileo Galilei discovered sunspots in 1612 with the use of his new version of the Telescope. While peering at the sun he discovered the small dark spots and named them sunspots. For more information watch this Video by NOVA.
So what does this have to do with the world today?
The sunspots come in cycles. We are supposed to be in Cycle 24 by now and should be seeing a increase in sunspot activity. Unfortunately the sun has been very quite for the past 3 years. The end of Cycle 23 was predicted to be Nov. of 2005. Instead of an increase in activity we are still in a low and scientists are calling the spots we are seeing as end Cycle 23.
The sun is blank today with absolutely no activity.
1 comment:
I knew of sunspots but never knew really what they were and why they are important. I really enjoyed your direct explanation of them and the video that expounded on your words. I also like seeing from your later posts that we are seeing an increase in sunspots.
Sunspots are really quite fascinating, but I'm still not quite sure why they happen. I guess it all has to do with magnetics.
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