Question

While observing the Sun, you note a larger number of sunspots. What can you conclude?

a) Increased solar wind
b) Weaker magnetic fields
c) More intense radiation
d) Increased solar activity

Answer 1

A larger number of sunspots suggests increased solar activity, associated with magnetic activity and often resulting in various space weather effects on Earth.

Step-by-step explanation:

While observing a larger number of sunspots, we can conclude that there is an indication of increased solar activity. Sunspots are large, dark features on the surface of the Sun caused by increased magnetic activity, and they are typically associated with other phenomena such as solar flares, prominences, and coronal mass ejections. These features tend to occur more frequently in places on the Sun called active regions, which coincide with strong magnetic fields and vary with the solar cycle that averages 11 years in length. Increased solar activity can also lead to enhanced solar wind, more intense radiation, and increased effects on space weather, which can affect our magnetosphere and lead to disruptions on Earth such as auroras, communication issues, satellite damage, and power outages.