Difference between revisions of "Sunspot"
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Sunspots are areas seen as a dark spot on the [[photosphere]] of the Sun; sunspots are concentrations of [[magnetic field|magnetic flux]], typically occurring in bipolar clusters or groups; they appear dark because they are cooler than the surrounding photosphere. | Sunspots are areas seen as a dark spot on the [[photosphere]] of the Sun; sunspots are concentrations of [[magnetic field|magnetic flux]], typically occurring in bipolar clusters or groups; they appear dark because they are cooler than the surrounding photosphere. | ||
| − | Sunspots 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. | + | The opposite of a sunspot is a '''facula''' (plural: faculae), a circular to subcircular region which is brighter than the surrounding area. |
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| + | 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. | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 01:46, November 13, 2007
Sunspots are areas seen as a dark spot on the photosphere of the Sun; sunspots are concentrations of magnetic flux, typically occurring in bipolar clusters or groups; they appear dark because they are cooler than the surrounding photosphere.
The opposite of a sunspot is a facula (plural: faculae), a circular to subcircular region which is brighter than the surrounding area.
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.