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Sunspot Activity

In this fun activity you will describe sunspots and make a graph of sunspot data from 1900 to the present.  For this activity you will need to print a copy of the answer sheet.  You will also need to use Microsoft Excel.

Directions:

1)  Print the answer sheet.

2)  Use the following two websites to answer questions 1 - 6:

 SpaceWeather.com

Solar Physics

 PLACE ALL ANSWERS ON THE ANSWER SHEET YOU JUST PRINTED.

1.  What is today's date and sunspot number?  If you divide this number by 15, you'll get the approximate number of individual sunspots visible on the solar disk if you look at the Sun through eclipse glasses (like on Shadow Day).  How many spots would be visible today?

2.  What is the Sunspot Cycle?

3.  In what year did the last solar maximum occur?

4.  The next solar maximum will occur in the year ___.

5.  What does a BUTTERFLY DIAGRAM show?

6.  What are sunspots?

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7.  Check out this live image of the sun.  If no image is available try these other sites:
Live Image of the Sun
Alternate Live Sun #1 
Alternate Live Sun #2  
Alternate Live Sun #3  

In the circle on the answer sheet, draw where sunspots are currently occurring.  Be sure to write down the date and time the image was taken.

8.  Opinion Question--How large do you think a sunspot is compared to Earth?

9.  Check out this photo of a sunspot.  Now how large do you think a sunspot is compared to Earth?

10. Copy sunspot averages data from 1900 to present onto answer sheet.  

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Open the program Microsoft Excel and follow the next set of directions to construct a sunspot graph.  Once Excel is open:

        a.  Type your name in cell A1 

        b.  Type "year" in cell A2.

        c.  Type "sunspot data" in cell B2

        d.  Enter your sunspot averages--years in column A, 
             averages in column B.

        e.  Save your file as "(your name) sunspots"

        f.  Highlight all cells you typed in EXCEPT your name.

        g.  While data is highlighted, click on the blue-yellow-red
             bar chart symbol on the tool bar.  This is the graph maker.

        h.  Select "line" graph and click "next."

        i.  Click the "series" tab

        j.  Highlight "year" and click remove.

        k.  Next to "Category (x) axis labels" click the chart
             symbol and drag the cursor from cell A2 down to 
             the current year.  Hit "enter."

        l.  Click "next."

        m.  Enter the chart title as:  "(your name)--SUNSPOT
              DATA FROM 1900 - PRESENT."

        n.  Label the x and y axis appropriately.

        o.  Click "next."

        p.  Click "Place chart as new sheet."

        q.  Click "finish" and print your graph.

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USE YOUR COMPLETED GRAPH TO ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS--PLACE ALL ANSWERS ON YOUR ANSWER SHEET.

12.  In which years between 1900 and now did a sunspot MAXIMUM occur (list all years)?

13.  In which years did a sunspot MINIMUM occur (list all years)?

14.  Based on your graph, predict when the next two maximums will occur.

15.  How often does a sunspot maximum typically occur?

16.  This graph pattern is:
circle one (DIRECT   INVERSE   CYCLIC    NO RELATIONSHIP).

17.    There's no evidence, but some people claim that sunspots affect life on Earth.  Some people think that even fashion styles and the performance of stocks are affected by sunspots.  Compare this timeline of major events to your completed graph.  

Do you see any connection?  Explain.

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