Pictures of the sun's current sunspots?

Thread starter art46052
Start date Sep 28, 2003
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Current Pictures

In summary, pictures of the sun's current sunspots show dark patches on the surface of the sun that are caused by intense magnetic activity. These sunspots are temporary phenomena and can vary in size and number over time. Studying these sunspots can provide valuable insights into the behavior and dynamics of the sun, which can help scientists better understand space weather and its impact on Earth.

Sep 28, 2003

art46052

Can anyone send me a link with pictures of the sun's current sunspots?

Last edited by a moderator: Feb 6, 2013

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Sep 29, 2003

Nereid

Staff Emeritus

Science Advisor

Gold Member

Try this, plus the links on the page
http://www.spaceweather.com/

Oct 7, 2003

redrogue

Here's an addtional link to SOHO which always has the latest pics of our star:

1. What are sunspots and why are they important to study?

Sunspots are dark, cooler areas on the sun's surface that appear as dark spots. They are important to study because they can provide valuable information about the sun's magnetic fields and activity, which can impact Earth's climate and communication systems.

2. How are pictures of sunspots taken?

Pictures of sunspots are taken using specialized solar telescopes that are equipped with special filters to block out the sun's intense light. These telescopes capture images of the sun's surface, including any visible sunspots.

3. What do the different shapes and sizes of sunspots indicate?

The shape and size of sunspots can indicate the strength and complexity of the sun's magnetic fields. Larger, more irregularly shaped sunspots often indicate a higher level of magnetic activity and potential for solar flares.

4. Can sunspots affect Earth's weather?

While sunspots themselves do not directly affect Earth's weather, they can impact Earth's climate by influencing the amount of solar radiation that reaches our planet. This can lead to changes in temperature and weather patterns.

5. How often do sunspots occur and what causes them?

Sunspots occur in cycles that typically last 11 years. They are caused by the sun's magnetic fields becoming twisted and tangled, which slows down the movement of heat from the sun's interior to its surface, creating cooler spots.