Too Many Sunspots

The Sun on July 31, 2024, Image Taken with my Lunt 40mm Solar Telesope

The Sun has been very active this year, reaching the near peak of its solar cycle.   On July 31st, I finally had a break in the non-stop clouds and rain over the past month and took the above image of the Sun.   261 Sunspots were visible on the face of the Sun.    So, what exactly are sunspots?

SUNSPOTS

Sunspots are dark, planet-sized regions that appear on the surface of the Sun. They are formed due to the complex magnetic activities happening inside the Sun. Here's a more detailed explanation:

1. **Magnetic Fields**: Sunspots are formed when concentrations of magnetic fields from deep within the sun well up to the surface. These magnetic fields are like loops of rubber bands, with one end attached to the north pole and the other to the south pole.

Image of prominence.  Earth added to give perspective. Taken June 24, 2024 with my Lunt 40mm Solar Telescope

2. **Differential Rotation**: As the sun rotates at different speeds, with the equator rotating faster than the poles, a "differential rotation" is created. This causes these magnetic loop "rubber bands" to get more wound up (both tighter and more complicated).

3. **Formation of Sunspots**: Eventually, the magnetic fields "snap," rise and break the surface. This disturbance in the sun's magnetic field forms pores that can grow and join together to form larger pores, or proto-spots, that eventually become sunspots.

4. **Appearance**: Sunspots consist of a central darker region, known as the umbra, and a surrounding region, known as the penumbra. They appear dark because the magnetic fields get in the way of energy and heat being transported from inside the Sun to its surface.

5. **Temperature**: The central dark region, the umbra, is about **6,300 degrees Fahrenheit (3,500 degrees Celsius)**, whereas the surrounding photosphere is about **10,000 F (5,500 C)**.

6. **Solar Cycle**: The frequency and intensity of sunspots visible on the surface indicate the level of solar activity during the 11-year solar cycle that is driven by the sun's magnetic field.

261 Sunspots on July 31, 2024.  Image taken with my Lunt 40mm Solar Telescope

It's important to note that while this is the generally accepted theory, scientists still don't fully understand how sunspots form.

Interested in looking at some sunspots? Grab those solar eclipse glasses before gazing at the Sun. You might be able to spot a few if you are lucky!

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Names of the Moon (August and September 2024)

Strawberry Moon on June 21, 2024

The Moon is the easiest object in the day and night sky to gaze upon.    When the moon is fully illuminated, it is called the "Full Moon".   The Full moon takes place every 29.5 days, or roughly once a month.    

Each Full Moon has been given a name.   The names of the full moon has its origins rooted in human cultures around the world.   Here in North America, the names of the moon come from Native American culture, Colonial America, and other traditional sources.  These names were used to track the seasons and reflect nature’s signs. Here are the commonly used full moon names for each month:

• January: Wolf Moon - Named after the howling of wolves during this time of year.
• February: Snow Moon - Reflects the heavy snowfall typically seen in February.
• March: Worm Moon - Named after the earthworms that appear as the ground thaws.
• April: Pink Moon - Named after the pink wildflowers that bloom in early spring.
• May: Flower Moon - Represents the abundance of flowers during this month.
• June: Strawberry Moon - Named after the strawberry harvest in June.
• July: Buck Moon - Named for the time when male deer grow new antlers.
• August: Sturgeon Moon - Named after the sturgeon fish that were abundant during this time.
• September: Harvest Moon - Reflects the time of the main harvest.
• October: Hunter’s Moon - Named for the time when hunting was easier under the bright moonlight.
• November: Beaver Moon - Named after the time when beavers are active in preparation for winter.
• December: Cold Moon - Reflects the cold winter nights.
  
  

STURGEON MOON - AUGUST 19, 2024

On August 19th 2024,, we will experience the Sturgeon Moon.  This name originates from Native American tribes, particularly those around the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain, where the sturgeon fish were most abundant during this time of year.

Sturgeon at Night - AI Generated by Adobe Firefly

The sturgeon is a large freshwater fish, often referred to as a "living fossil" due to its ancient lineage.  The Sturgeon Moon is also known by other names such as the **Grain Moon**, **Corn Moon**, **Lynx Moon**, and **Lightning Moon**, reflecting various cultural and seasonal aspects.

This year, the Sturgeon Moon will peak on August 19, 2024, and it also be a supermoon.   A supermoon is when the Moon is closest to the Earth in its orbit and can appear brighter and larger in the night sky.

HARVEST MOON - SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

Harvesting at Night under Full Moon - AI Generated by Adobe Firefly

The Harvest Moon is the full moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox, which falls this year on September 22nd, 2024. Unlike other full moon names, the Harvest Moon is not tied to a specific month but rather to the timing of the equinox. This means it can occur in either September or October, depending on the lunar cycle.

One of the unique features of the Harvest Moon is that it rises soon after sunset for several consecutive nights, providing an abundance of bright moonlight early in the evening. This extended period of moonlight was historically beneficial to farmers, allowing them to work longer hours harvesting their crops, hence the name "Harvest Moon".

This year, the Harvest Moon will appear on September 16, 2024, and will reach its peak illumination at 10:34 PM EDT on September 17, 2024.

So, if you get a chance, check out the full moon and snaps some pictures!   Until next time, happy moon observing!  Take care,  -Erik

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Visit my YouTube channel for more astrophotography
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