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The number of sunspots depends on the magnetic field of the Sun. This magnetic field changes with a period of roughly 22 years; twice in each of these magnetic cycles there is a maximum of sunspots. (So, the sunspot cycle has a period of about 11 years (on average), whilst the magnetic cycle has a period of about 22 years.)I am not sure whether the reasons for the magnetic cycles are completely understood, but you can check what is known so far, in the Wikipedia article on "Solar dynamo".

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Sunspots vary in a cycle that lasts about?

11 years


What are the dark spots on the photosphere?

Dark spots on the photosphere, known as sunspots, are areas of reduced surface temperature caused by magnetic activity on the Sun. They appear darker than their surroundings because they are cooler and emit less light. Sunspots can vary in size and number over an 11-year solar cycle.


Are sunspots permanent features?

Sunspots are not permanent features on the Sun. They typically last for days to weeks, and then fade away. The number of sunspots varies in an 11-year cycle known as the solar cycle.


Sunspots sit on the suns what?

Sunspots sit on the sun's photosphere. The photosphere is the surface of the sun, and sunspots are dark regions on it that are visible. The photosphere's average temperature is about 5800 degrees Kelvin.


Where do the sunspot appear?

Sunspots appear on the surface of the Sun, specifically in the photosphere. These darker, cooler areas are caused by magnetic activity on the Sun's surface. Sunspots can vary in size and shape and are often seen in groups.


What are the areas of cooler gases brought to the sun's surface through the convection zone?

As strange as it is to think of a body as hot as the sun having such a thing as a "cool" spot, it actually does! These areas are known as sunspots. Their number changes from year to year and they appear darker in color when studied by astronomers.


What are the black spots called on the sun?

The black spots on the sun are called sunspots. These cooler areas on the sun's surface appear darker than their surroundings due to intense magnetic activity inhibiting heat flow. Sunspots can vary in size and number over an 11-year cycle known as the solar cycle.


The number of sunspots varies in a cycle that lasts how many years?

11 years, on average.11 years, on average.11 years, on average.11 years, on average.


Are the same numbers of sunspots always present on the sun?

Sunspots are temporary phenomena on the surface of the Sun. The number vary over time, but there is a "trend" towards a greater number appearing every eleven years. However, this "trend" seems to be "disturbed" as the "11 year" cycle is very late.___________________________You can see today's (well, yesterday's) sunspot numbers each day at www.spaceweather.com, or click the link below.


Are the numbers of sunspots always present on the sun?

Sunspots are temporary phenomena on the surface of the Sun. The number vary over time, but there is a "trend" towards a greater number appearing every eleven years. However, this "trend" seems to be "disturbed" as the "11 year" cycle is very late.___________________________You can see today's (well, yesterday's) sunspot numbers each day at www.spaceweather.com, or click the link below.


Every 11 years there is a peak in the number of them?

sunspots (apex)


What is the number of sunspots that occurred on April 26 2011?

Somewhere around 15.