Download Name: Period: ______ Sunspot Investigation Directions: Read and

Name: __________________________________________ Period: ____________
Sunspot Investigation
Directions:
1. Read and annotate the introduction.
a. Number paragraphs
b. Underline definitions of key terms (in bold)
c. Highlight main ideas
2. Answer the Pre-lab questions
3. Read and follow the procedure.
4. Collect your data.
5. Graph the results
6. Answer the post lab questions.
Background:
It is never safe to look directly at the sun because this can cause blindness.
However, when viewed through a telescope features of the sun become visible and can be
studied. People have been observing and keeping records of features called sunspots for
hundreds of years. In 1612, Galileo proved there were pots on the Sun. He used a
telescope to look at the sun. At the time, telescopes (and other optics) were very recent
innovations and were allowing scientists such as Galileo to discover new aspects of our
planet and space. Galileo’s discovery was highly controversial at the time because the
spots he found were viewed as imperfections. Many of his 17th century colleagues did not
believe the Sun could be imperfect.
Sunspots have a dark central region surrounded by a somewhat lighter region. The
dark area is slightly cooler than the surrounding area. This cool area is likely related to a
strong magnetic field around the
sunspot. Sunspots typically last
anywhere from a few days to a few
months. When the Sun has fewer
sunspots, it gives off less energy. This
results in less energy making its way to
Earth, and our planet cools.
Over time, scientists have
noticed a pattern in the number of
sunspots. About every 11 years the
number of sunspots reaches a high and
then decreases again. This is known as
a Solar Cycle. Other sorts of solar
activity are related to this cycle as
well, such as solar flares, which tend to
occur in areas of the Sun near
sunspots. The year 2011 was a solar
maximum, making 2006 and 2015 the
closest solar minimums.
Figure 1. Sunspots taken by the NASA’s SOHO spacecraft in March (panel A) and July
2005 (panels B-D). In panel A, notice the dot representing the size of the Earth for
comparison.
Pre-lab Questions:
1. The graph on the precious page shows the activity of sunspots from 1620 to 1660,
around Galileo’s life time. The graph shows the eleven year solar cycle. In what
years were the solar maximums the most intense (i.e. when were there the most
sun spots)?
2. Look at the images in Figure 1. Why might the might the number of sun spots
vary over time?
3. Was 2005 close to a solar minimum or solar maximum? ____________________
4. How would you expect the sun to look in 2015?
Procedure:
Part 1:
1. The data below indicates the average number of sunspot for each year between
1970 and 2004. Graph this data on the graph provided.
2. Indicate the periods of solar minimums and solar maximums.
3. Answer the lab questions for this section.
YEAR ---------Number of Sunspots
YEAR -----------Number of Sunspots
Lab Questions:
1. What year were you born? Were there many sunspots during the year you were
born?
2. Make predictions: Will there be many or few sunspots during the year you
 Graduate from high school? __________________________________

Turn 21? _________________________________________________

Have your 10 year high school reunion? ________________________
Part 2:
1. Examine the graph below.
2. Indicate times of solar maximums and solar minimums on the graph.
3. Answer the lab questions for this section.
Lab Questions:
1. How long did the Maunder Minimum, the shaded area, last? ________________
2. Based off you knowledge of solar activity was there more or less energy reaching
the Earth during the Maunder Minimum?
3. What was the climate like during the Maunder minimum? Explain your reasoning.