The Nasa newsletters state sun spot activity is increasing from expected count. What is the cause for excessive sun spot activity?
Asked by: Malcolm W. Kroeber Sr.
Answer
Sun spot activity rises to a maximum on an 11-year cycle, and this year will be one such
peak.
The main cause of sun spots relates to the rotation of the Sun, and to its magnetic fields.
Because the Sun isn't a solid object but mostly made up of compressed gases and plasma,
different regions rotate at different speeds. Since the Sun's magnetic field is partially
embedded in this unevenly moving material, it becomes gradually distorted and twisted. At
those locations on the Sun where this distortion is most pronounced, the fields are
strongest. At these points sun spots are most likely to occur.
Answered by: Paul Braxton, B.A., Retired - Portland, Oregon
'In a way science is a key to the gates of heaven, and the same key opens the gates of hell, and we do not have any instructions as to which is which gate.
Shall we throw away the key and never have a way to enter the gates of heaven? Or shall we struggle with the problem of which is the best way to use the key?'