Sunspots are complex, temporary phenomena that occur on the surface of the sun. Sunspots are caused by a localized reduction in the surface temperature of the sun, which causes these spots to appear darker than the rest of the surface. Sunspots have two magnetic poles and cycle over a period of 11 years to create maximum and minimum sunspot activity periods.
Because it is dangerous and painful to look directly at the sun, students can do projects to create new ways to observe sunspots. For instance; using a piece of white paper and a telescope, students can focus the sun's light in a way that allows them to observe sunspots. Students point the telescope at the sun, then center the paper over the eyepiece. The sun appears as an orb on the paper, and the sunspots look like dark specks inside the orb. Additionally, students can make a pinhole camera out of a shoebox, then place paper over the eyepiece to observe sunspots.
Students can explore the history and significance of the first sunspot observations by researching and presenting information about their discoveries. Since Galileo is one of the most famous astronomers associated with the recorded observation of sunspots, students can research the growing history and understanding of sunspots during the 17th century, with the advent of the telescope. By observing Galileo's detailed sunspot drawings, students can track the course of his observations and report on the significance of the discovery of sunspots to the developing scientific exploration of astronomy during this time period.
Evidence of sunspot observation dates back to 364 BC. Because of this long period of observation, scientists have determined the sun has a maximum and minimum period of sunspot activity that cycles through 11 years. Students can observe the sunspot cycle by first determining what part of the cycle they are currently in by consulting monthly reports of sunspot data. Students can compare the data they collected from various years of sunspot cycles with the data they collect, based on their current place in the sunspot cycle. Using data graphing programs, such as Microsoft Excel, students can plot this data on a graph for easy viewing and understanding.