Sunspot Cycle
The Sunspot Cycle is an approximately 11-year cycle during which the number of sunspots on the Sun increases and decreases. Sunspots are temporary phenomena on the solar surface that appear as dark spots due to lower temperatures compared to their surroundings. This cycle affects solar activity, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which can influence space weather.
During the peak of the cycle, known as solar maximum, sunspots are abundant, leading to increased solar radiation and magnetic activity. Conversely, during solar minimum, sunspots are rare, resulting in a quieter solar environment. Understanding this cycle helps scientists predict space weather and its potential impacts on Earth.