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'''Sunspots''' are areas seen as dark spots on the [[photosphere]] of the [[Sun]].<ref name=britannica>[https://www.britannica.com/topic/sunspot Sunspot] from britannica.com</ref> Sunspots are concentrations of [[magnetic field|magnetic flux]], typically occurring in bipolar clusters or groups and are temporary features lasting anywhere from a few of hours to several months. They appear dark because are much cooler than the surrounding photosphere with temperatures of around 3,800 K compared to the rest of the photosphere's 5,800 K.<ref name=coolcosmos>[http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/ask/13-Why-are-sunspots-darker-than-the-rest-of-the-Sun- Why are sunspots darker than the rest of the Sun?] from coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu</ref> Because the Sun radiates as a [[black body]], this results in sunspots appearing dimmer compared to the rest of the surface. The opposite of a sunspot is a '''facula''' (plural: faculae), a circular to subcircular region which is brighter than the surrounding area. Sunspots are classified based on their size and complexity by the modified Zurich scale.<ref name=britannica/>

'''Sunspots''' are areas seen as dark spots on the [[photosphere]] of the [[Sun]].<ref name=britannica>[https://www.britannica.com/topic/sunspot Sunspot] from britannica.com</ref> Sunspots are concentrations of [[magnetic field|magnetic flux]], typically occurring in bipolar clusters or groups and are temporary features lasting anywhere from a few of hours to several months. They appear dark because are much cooler than the surrounding photosphere with temperatures of around 3,800 K compared to the rest of the photosphere's 5,800 K.<ref name=coolcosmos>[http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/ask/13-Why-are-sunspots-darker-than-the-rest-of-the-Sun- Why are sunspots darker than the rest of the Sun?] from coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu</ref> Because the Sun radiates as a [[black body]], this results in sunspots appearing dimmer compared to the rest of the surface. The opposite of a sunspot is a '''facula''' (plural: faculae), a circular to subcircular region which is brighter than the surrounding area. Sunspots are classified based on their size and complexity by the modified Zurich scale.<ref name=britannica/> Similar spots have also been oberved on other [[star]]s where they are called "starspots."

Sunspots and faculae can be viewed using special solar observation techniques. Anyone attempting to view a sunspot should be careful to observe safety procedures so as to not accidentally do damage to one's eyes. One technique amateur astronomers can use is a pinhole [[camera]].

Sunspots and faculae can be viewed using special solar observation techniques. Anyone attempting to view a sunspot should be careful to observe safety procedures so as to not accidentally do damage to one's eyes. One technique amateur astronomers can use is a pinhole [[camera]].