Solar activity associated with space weather that can affect the Earth includes phenomena such as: What are some examples of solar activity? The cosmic particles from deep space that the field protects us from may also be affected, since when a magnetic field reversal occurs, it becomes more wavy, and can act as a better shield against them. This can stir up stormy space weather around our planet. Sometimes the surface of the Sun is very active with lots of sunspots, while other times it is quieter with only a few or even none.Īlso, at the peak of each solar cycle, the Sun's magnetic field changes polarity as its inner magnetic dynamo reorganizes itself. The solar cycle is a nearly periodic change in the Sun's activity between the time where we can observe the most and least number of sunspots, and generally lasts around 11 years. Sunspots are associated with various types of solar activity and the number and location of sunspots are a key indicator of the Sun's overall activity. These areas are cooler (a frigid 6,500 degrees Fahrenheit) because the magnetic fields are so strong that they keep some of the heat within the Sun from reaching the surface. We can see manifestations of the Sun's magnetic field in the form of sunspots, which are cooler, dark areas on the sun's surface that mark regions where magnetism is the strongest. Plus, since the Sun's gases are constantly moving, they stretch and twist the magnetic fields. It is so large in fact, that it reaches far past the edge of our solar system, and works similarly in that it helps to protect the planets within it from harmful cosmic particles from farther out in space.Īll solar activity is driven by the Sun's magnetic fields, so the more complex they are, the more solar activity there is. However, the Sun's magnetic field is colossally more powerful and complex than Earth's. Like the Earth, the Sun, which is made of electrified gases called plasma, also generates its own magnetic field via a process called a dynamo, which is driven by internal fluid motion. When this happens at the poles, the radiation sometimes appears as bright auroras (aka, the northern and southern lights) from the ground. Luckily though, the Earth has a magnetic field that surrounds us like a protective bubble, deflecting most of this harmful radiation. Called solar wind, these particles can travel over one million miles per hour. At its surface, the Sun seethes, boils, and churns at a temperature of roughly 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit while constantly spewing a stream of gases and electrically charged particles into space. The Sun is a turbulent place where energy and light are generated at its core via a process called nuclear fusion. However, our Sun actually goes through a cycle of increasing and decreasing activity that lasts for about 11 years. To many people, it looks like the same constant ball of light day after day as it moves across the sky. The Sun is Earth's nearest star-a giant orb of hydrogen and helium about 93 million miles away.

Orbs moving thru sun corona