Sunspots are formed continuously due to that active magnetic field of the sun. To learn more about that go here; solar-center.stanford.edu/FAQ/Qspotsearth.html
It is generally very hard to find star spots on stars smaller and/or further away than our sun. Therefore, it is easier to distinguish a star spot on a closer and more massive star. Doppler imaging is commonly used to detect and measure these star spots.
Most spots range in size from about 1,500 km (932 miles) to around 50,000 km (31,068 miles) in diameter. Once in a while, huge sunspots the size of Jupiter show up on the Sun's surface. I found that at http://www.windows2universe.org/sun/atmosphere/sunspot_size.html
As for how much of the sun sunspots take up, since they go away and are in an 11 year cycle, it is hard to find an accurate consistent number.
The number of sunspots observed on the sun varies every year, but is on average an 11 year cycle. This 11 year cycle is likely due to the sheer size of the sun.
How are sunspots formed?
ReplyDeleteSunspots are formed continuously due to that active magnetic field of the sun. To learn more about that go here; solar-center.stanford.edu/FAQ/Qspotsearth.html
DeleteHow do you distinguish a star spot? -Kacey Kadlec
ReplyDeleteIt is generally very hard to find star spots on stars smaller and/or further away than our sun. Therefore, it is easier to distinguish a star spot on a closer and more massive star. Doppler imaging is commonly used to detect and measure these star spots.
DeleteExactly how much bigger is a sunspot than earth? How much of the sun is made up of sunspots?
ReplyDeleteMost spots range in size from about 1,500 km (932 miles) to around 50,000 km (31,068 miles) in diameter. Once in a while, huge sunspots the size of Jupiter show up on the Sun's surface.
DeleteI found that at http://www.windows2universe.org/sun/atmosphere/sunspot_size.html
As for how much of the sun sunspots take up, since they go away and are in an 11 year cycle, it is hard to find an accurate consistent number.
Why is the sunspot cycle so long?
ReplyDeleteThe number of sunspots observed on the sun varies every year, but is on average an 11 year cycle. This 11 year cycle is likely due to the sheer size of the sun.
DeleteWhy can we not see sunspots with our eyes just by looking at the sun?
ReplyDelete