Briefly describe the phenomena of the sunspot cycle

What will be an ideal response?


We observe the Sun to exhibit a sunspot cycle over a period of 22 years, tied directly to its magnetic activity. At the beginning of the period, sunspots form at higher latitudes. As magnetic activity increases, the sunspots form lower down and in greater numbers. At solar maximum, the height of magnetic activity, we observe many sunspots and solar flares. The corona is even shaped differently, streaming more from the sides of the Sun instead of forming a more spherical shape around the Sun, as when the magnetic field is weaker. As the formation of sunspots approaches the Sun's equator, the polarity of the Sun flips. Thus, the north magnetic pole becomes the south magnetic pole and vice versa. The polarity of the sunspots also changes at this time. The cycle then repeats for another 11 years with the magnetic poles of the Sun flipped. After 11 years the Sun's magnetic polarity flips again, completing the 22-year period.

Physics & Space Science

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Sunlight is absorbed by a black hat.

C. Consistent D. Inconsistent

Physics & Space Science

Which is the densest planet in the solar system?

A) Mercury B) Venus C) Earth D) Mars E) Jupiter

Physics & Space Science

The habitable zone is the area around a star where:

A) planets with life have been found. B) human beings could live. C) the Greenhouse Effect is possible. D) a planet could have an atmosphere. E) temperatures are suitable for planets to have liquid water.

Physics & Space Science

The poorest absorber of water is

A) sand and gravel. B) clay. C) rocky surfaces covered by a soil layer. D) rocky surfaces with no soil layer.

Physics & Space Science