Sunspot: meaning, definitions and examples
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sunspot
[ ˈsʌnˌspɒt ]
astronomy
A sunspot is a temporary phenomenon on the Sun's photosphere that appears as a spot darker than the surrounding areas. These spots are caused by the Sun's magnetic field inhibiting convection and reducing the surface temperature. They can last for days to weeks and are often associated with solar activity, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections. The number of sunspots correlates with the solar cycle, which lasts about 11 years.
Synonyms
dark spot, solar spot.
Examples of usage
- Scientists study sunspots to understand solar cycles.
- The increase in sunspots can indicate heightened solar activity.
- Astronomers captured images of sunspots through telescopes.
Translations
Translations of the word "sunspot" in other languages:
🇵🇹 mancha solar
🇮🇳 सूर्य धब्बा
🇩🇪 Sonnenfleck
🇮🇩 bintik matahari
🇺🇦 сонячна пляма
🇵🇱 plama słoneczna
🇯🇵 太陽黒点
🇫🇷 tache solaire
🇪🇸 mancha solar
🇹🇷 güneş lekesi
🇰🇷 태양 흑점
🇸🇦 بقعة شمسية
🇨🇿 sluneční skvrna
🇸🇰 slnečná škvrna
🇨🇳 太阳黑子
🇸🇮 sončna pega
🇮🇸 sólarblettur
🇰🇿 күн дақ
🇬🇪 მზის ლაქა
🇦🇿 gün ləkəsi
🇲🇽 mancha solar
Etymology
The term 'sunspot' dates back to the early 17th century when sunspots were first observed through telescopes. The concept of sunspots was notably advanced by scientists such as Galileo Galilei, who documented his observations of these dark spots on the Sun's surface. Historically, sunspots were linked to various phenomena on Earth, including climate change and agricultural cycles. The understanding of sunspots evolved with advancements in solar physics, revealing their connection to the Sun's magnetic activity and the solar cycle. Their study is crucial for understanding space weather and its impact on Earth. The word combines 'sun,' which is derived from Old English 'sunne,' and 'spot,' which comes from Old English 'smið,' meaning a mark or blemish.