Question

How many years are there between each time of abundant sunspots and each time of fewest sunspots? (In other words, how often does the pattern repeat)

A. 5 years
B. 11 years
C. 22 years
D. 50 years

Answer 1

The pattern of sunspot activity, or the sunspot cycle, repeats approximately every 11 years, which can range between 9 to 14 years. Every 11 years, sunspot maxima may show more than 100 spots, but during minima, there may be none. The magnetic polarity of the sunspots reverses every 22 years.

Step-by-step explanation:

The time between periods of abundant sunspots and the time of fewest sunspots is referred to as the sunspot cycle. The average interval between sunspot maxima, that is the period of high sunspot activity, is about 11 years. However, this can vary as the intervals between successive maxima have ranged from 9 to 14 years. During the sunspot maxima, more than 100 spots can often be seen at once, and less than one-half of one percent of the Sun's surface is covered by spots. In contrast, during sunspot minima, sometimes no spots are visible at all. The Sun's most recent activity maximum occurred in 2014. Additionally, the magnetic activity cycle of the Sun lasts for 22 years, because it includes a complete reversal of the Sun's magnetic polarity from one 11-year cycle to the next