Hayat Ashraf

Sunspots are dark spots or patches that appear on the surface of the Sun. They are regions of intense magnetic activity and are relatively cooler than the surrounding areas. Here are some key points about sunspots: 1. Appearance: Sunspots appear as dark, cooler regions on the Sun's photosphere, which is the visible surface layer. They typically have a dark central region called the umbra, surrounded by a lighter area called the penumbra. 2. Magnetic Activity: Sunspots are associated with strong magnetic fields. The magnetic field lines in sunspots are twisted and concentrated, inhibiting the convective flow of hot gases from the Sun's interior, resulting in lower temperatures and reduced brightness. 3. Sunspot Cycle: Sunspots are not fixed features and undergo a cyclic pattern known as the sunspot cycle. This cycle, with an average period of about 11 years, is driven by the Sun's magnetic activity. The number and distribution of sunspots vary throughout the cycle, with the ...