What are sunspots? What is known about the science of sunspots on the sun

Currently, sunspots are no longer such a mysterious phenomenon, as, for example, in the middle of the last millennium. Every inhabitant of our planet is aware that on the main source of heat and light there are small darkening, which is difficult to consider without special adaptations. But not everyone knows the fact that they lead to solar flares, which can greatly affect the magnetic field of the Earth.

Definition

In simple terms, sunspots are dark areas formed on the surface of the Sun. It is a mistake to believe that they do not emit a bright light, but in comparison with the rest of the photosphere they are indeed much darker. Their main characteristic is the lowered temperature. Thus, sunspots on the Sun are colder by about 1500 Kelvin than other surrounding areas. In fact, they represent the same areas through which magnetic fields come to the surface. Due to this phenomenon, one can speak about such a process as magnetic activity. Accordingly, if the spots are small, then this is called a calm period, and when there are many, then such a period will be called active. During the latter, the sun's glow is a little brighter because of the torches and flocculi located around the dark sections.

Study

Observation of sunspots has been going on for a long time, it goes back to the era before our era. So, Theophrastus Aquinas back in the IV century BC. E. In his works mentioned their existence. The first sketch of darkening on the surface of the main star was discovered in 1128, it belongs to John Worcester. In addition, in the Old Russian works of the 14th century mention is made of black solar inclusions. Science quickly began to study them in the 1600s. Most scientists of that period adhered to the theory that sunspots are the planets moving around the Sun's axis. But after Galileo's invention of the telescope, this myth was dispelled. He first managed to find out that the spots are inseparable from the solar structure itself. This event has generated a powerful wave of research and observations that have not ceased since that time. Modern study amazes imagination by its scale. For 400 years, progress in this area has become tangible, and now the Belgian Royal Observatory is engaged in calculating the number of sunspots, but the disclosure of all the facets of this cosmic phenomenon is still ongoing.

Appearance

Even at school, children are told about the existence of a magnetic field, but usually only the poloidal component is mentioned. But the theory of sunspots implies the study of a toroidal element, naturally, we are already talking about the magnetic field of the Sun. At the Earth it is impossible to calculate, since it does not appear on the surface. Another situation is with the heavenly body. With a combination of certain conditions, the magnetic tube emerges outward through the photosphere. As you guessed, this ejection leads to the formation of sunspots on the surface. Most often this happens massively, which is why group clusters of spots are the most common.

Properties

On average, the temperature of the sun reaches 6000 K, while at sunspots it is about 4000 K. However, this does not prevent them from still producing a powerful amount of light. Sunspots and active areas, that is, groups of spots, have different lifetimes. The first live from a couple of days to several weeks. But the latter are much more tenacious and can stay in the photosphere for months. As for the structure of each individual spot, it is not easy. The central part of it is called a shadow, which looks outwardly monophonic. In turn, it is surrounded by penumbra, differing in its variability. As a result of the contact of the cold plasma and the magnetic plasma, vibrations of the substance are noticeable on it. The size of sunspots, as well as their number in groups can be very diverse.

Cycles of solar activity

Everyone knows that the level of solar activity is constantly changing. This provision led to the emergence of the concept of the 11-year cycle. Sunspots, their appearance and number are very closely related to this phenomenon. However, this issue remains controversial, since one cycle can vary from 9 to 14 years, and the activity level relentlessly changes from century to century. Thus, there can be periods of some kind of calm, when more than one year the spots are practically absent. But it can happen the opposite, when their number is considered anomalous. Earlier the countdown of the beginning of the cycle began with the moment of minimal solar activity. But with the advent of advanced technologies, the calculus is taken from the moment when the polarity of the spots changes. Data on past solar activities are available for study, but they can hardly be the most faithful assistant in predicting the future, for the nature of the Sun is very unpredictable.

Impact on the planet

It's no secret that magnetic phenomena on the Sun closely interact with our daily lives. The Earth is constantly exposed to attacks of various stimuli from the outside. From their destructive impact, the planet is protected by the magnetosphere and the atmosphere. But, unfortunately, they are not able to confront him completely. Thus, satellites can be disrupted, radio communication is disrupted, and astronauts are exposed to increased danger. In addition, radiation affects climate change and even the appearance of a person. There is such a phenomenon as sunspots on the body, appearing under the influence of ultraviolet.

This issue has not yet been studied properly, as is the influence of sunspots on people's daily lives. Another phenomenon that depends on magnetic disturbances is the northern lights. Magnetic storms have become one of the most famous consequences of solar activity. They represent another external field around the Earth, which is parallel to a constant one. Modern scientists even associate increased mortality, as well as aggravation of diseases of the cardiovascular system with the appearance of this very magnetic field. And in the people it even gradually began to turn into superstition.