Occasionally, the surface of the Sun exhibits dark spots, known as sunspots. These areas are covered by magnetic fields and appear darker than the surrounding regions because they are cooler. Sunspots are part of an 11-year solar cycle, with the highest number of sunspots occurring during the solar maximum. During this phase, there are many sunspots visible on the Sun’s surface. Over the following five years, the number of sunspots gradually decreases until they are very few, marking the solar minimum.
Sunspots are directly related to solar activity, especially solar flares. Solar flares are intense bursts of energy that erupt from the Sun’s surface, releasing vast amounts of radiation into space. Another type of solar explosion, known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), involves massive bursts of energetic gases being thrown into space. These explosions typically occur during periods of solar maximum, and they create a phenomenon called space weather that impacts the entire solar system.
Space weather affects everything from satellite operations to communications on Earth. The intense radiation from solar flares and CMEs can interfere with radio signals, GPS systems, and power grids. In addition, these solar events contribute to the formation of auroras (the Northern and Southern Lights), which are visible in regions closer to the poles.
Understanding sunspots and solar activity helps scientists predict space weather patterns and prepare for potential disruptions. Monitoring these phenomena is crucial for protecting both our technological infrastructure and astronauts who travel beyond Earth’s protective atmosphere.