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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