The And Their Impact On Earth s Climate - 1435 Words

Sunspots and Their Impact on Earth s Climate The sun is an incredibly dynamic ball of mass and energy at the center of our solar system. The source of the sun s energy is nuclear fusion; where mass is converted into energy when protons (positively charged hydrogen atoms) smash together at incredible speeds at the center of the sun to form helium. Nuclear forces aren t the only thing acting on the sun, electromagnetic forces also play a vital role in the sun s dynamic behavior. Due to the unimaginably high kinetic energy of particles within the sun s core, electrons are stripped of their atoms, leading to high amounts of charged particles. These charged particles are known as plasma, and they behave distinctly from other generic types†¦show more content†¦pg 153). These findings support the idea that convergence aloft (at the sun s surface) leads to descending motion, which would explain how sunspots inhibit the convective uplift of energy. We know sunspots have roughly an el even year cycle, where periods of pronounced sunspot activity are known as solar maximums, while periods when very little sunspot activity is present are known as solar minimums, but what causes the number of sunspots on the surface of the sun to fluctuate periodically? Recent studies show that it may have something to do with the sun s magnetic field. It turns out the sun s magnetic field flips (changes in polarity) every 22 years. Every time the sun s magnetic field flips, everything is realigned. It s almost as if the sun get s a new magnetic field every 22 years. However, since the sun is very electromagnetically unstable, the unequal tangential surface velocity between the equator and the poles of charged particles causes the magnetic field to go crooked and meander instead of flowing laminarly (Babcock, Horace W. pg. 572). When the sun s magnetic field shifts, it causes a solar minimum. Eleven years before the shift is the solar maximum. The fundamental question is: How do mag netic storms on the sun affect the climate here on earth? Sunspots are not the only phenomena associated with the sun s magnetism. Solar winds, which are a stream of charged particles are being sent towards earth from the sun