Sunspots

Sun · magnetism · space weather · solar cycles

Dark and cool. Sunspots look like dark spots on the Sun, but they're actually cooler regions where powerful magnetic fields slow down heat from bubbling up to the surface. Even though they're cooler, they're still incredibly hot to us.

Magnetic powerhouses. Strong magnetic fields inside the Sun create sunspots by blocking the natural movement of hot gas. These magnetic forces are so strong they prevent the Sun's usual convection from happening in that area.

They come in pairs. Sunspots usually appear as pairs with opposite magnetic poles, like the north and south ends of a magnet. This arrangement is connected to the Sun's overall magnetic structure.

The 11-year cycle. The number of sunspots goes up and down on a cycle that lasts about 11 years, with times of many spots and times of very few. Scientists track this cycle to understand the Sun's behavior and its effects on Earth.

Active regions. Sunspots form in areas called active regions where the Sun's magnetic field is most concentrated and chaotic. These zones are also sources of solar flares and other dramatic solar events.