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Sun spots

Last post 03-19-2008 10:14 PM by Yan Li. 2 replies.
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  • 03-19-2008 9:15 AM

    Sun spots

    Where are the sun spots? Julia P. (Fwms)

  • 03-19-2008 12:09 PM In reply to

    Re: Sun spots

    Hi Julia,

     

    The sunspots are on the surface of the Sun (the photosphere).   They are regions of very strong magnetic fields.

     

    Best,

    Christina

     

  • 03-19-2008 10:14 PM In reply to

    Re: Sun spots

     Hi Julia,

    If you are looking for sunspots today, there isn't any on the Sun. The Sun is at the solar activity minimum right now. During the past year, we have had very few sunspots because of lack of regions with strong magnetic field. When the Sun gets closer to solar maximum, there will be many sunspots.

    Scientists use sunspot numbers to track the solar cycle. The solar cycle is about 11 years on average. The first sunspot of the current cycle appeared earlier this year (Jan 4 2008), which means we are now on the rising phase of the new solar cycle. Sunspot numbers increase with time starting from the minimum. So hopefully we will see more sunspots in the near future.

    Hope this helps,

    Yan

     

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