Earth System

Sunspots are dark, cooler regions of strong magnetic fields on the photosphere whose activity varies through an eleven year cycle. Solar flares occur in the region of Sun spots, sending energized, charged particles at great speeds toward Earth. They form when the Sun's magnetic energy becomes unstable and collapses causing an explosive heating of gases.

Figure 2.4 Glowing arcs of gas surrounding sunspots. Courtesy NASA.

A solar prominence is an arch of gas held above the Sun's surface by strong magnetic fields and lasting up to several months. Their eruptions release massive amounts of amounts of solar material.

Video: Striking a Solar Balance
Courtesy NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (Source)
This short film explores the vital connection between the Earth and the Sun. NASA's Glory mission and the Total Irradiance Monitor will continue nearly three decades of solar irradiance measurements. This crucial data will contribute to the long-term climate record.

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For Citation: Ritter, Michael E. The Physical Environment: an Introduction to Physical Geography.
Date visited.  https://www.earthonlinemedia.com/ebooks/tpe_3e/title_page.html

Michael Ritter (tpeauthor@mac.com)
Last revised 6/5/12

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