Sunspot activity affects radio communications. It can cause ionisation of the D and E layers of the ionosphere which allows High frequency radio waves to be bent back toward Earth, providing multiple hop communications.
every eleven years lol
granules... :)
Granules(:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunspot_cycle The definition for sunspot cycle is "the recurring increase and decrease in the number of sunspots over a period averaging about eleven years."
There is a direct correlation between sunspot activity and magnetic storms on earth. At the height of the approximately 11-year cycle of sunspot activity, magnetic storms on earth are more intense and are of greater duration. The intensity of some storms requires a few satellites to be put into "sleep mode" to prevent damage. And the effects on things like the power grid are well documented natural phenomenon that is directly linked to sunspot activity.
every eleven years lol
I just learned about this in science class, 1. Cell Phones 2. TVs
came across the surprising fact that between 1645 and 1715 there was virtually no sunspot activity at all.
low sunspot activity
Sunspot activity has been a common occurence now with today's technology being able to detect the sun's activity at a moment's notice. NASA and Space Weather are some examples of online sites that allow common folks like us to be able to view sunspot activity at the comfort of our homes.
The cycle of sunspot activity.
granules... :)
Granules(:
The cycle of sunspot activity.
11 years
Sunspot activity increases and decreases with a frequency of about eleven years from peak to peak, so there are about five and a half years from a period of highest sunspot activity to a period of lowest sunspot activity. The last peak was in 2001, so the next peak is expected in 2012.
Although solar activity is associated with sunspots, there is no associated increase in solar output. Historically sunspot activity waxed and waned on an 11 year cycle, which maps to no identifiable earthly weather pattern of matching period.