Sunspots

Sunspots are temporary dark spots on the Sun's surface caused by intense magnetic activity, which inhibits the warmth of the Sun's surface gases. They appear darker because they are cooler than their surroundings, typically with temperatures around 3,000 to 4,000 degrees Celsius, compared to the Sun’s surface temperature of about 5,500 degrees Celsius. Sunspots often occur in groups and increase during the solar cycle, which lasts about 11 years, affecting solar radiation and space weather. Their study helps scientists understand solar dynamics and its influence on Earth's atmosphere and technology.