Starship 101

What is a sunspot?  It’s not the freckle on your nose.  But, it is like a freckle on the sun.  When astronomers look at the sun through special filters, they can see it better since it is less bright and they can look at light we can’t see (like ultraviolet light).  Yesterday, a new sun spot showed up (see picture).

A sunspot is a part of the sun surface that has a lower temperature than the surrounding area.  It also has a lot of magnetic activity.  Some people believe that sun spots can affect the weather on Earth, including global warming.

Sun spots come in cycles that last several years.  This particular sun spot is unique because it is believed to be the first in a new cycle called Cycle 24.  (Scientists are not very creative at coming up with names for some things).