Sunday, May 25, 2025, 11:49AM |  47°
MENU
Advertisement

Let's Talk About: Solar eruptions

Let's Talk About: Solar eruptions

Solar physicists study the sun and keep track of solar activity by monitoring sunspots. They believe the next solar maximum will occur in mid-2013. With our dependency on sun-sensitive technologies, predicting solar activity has become a high priority for scientists.

Sunspots form because of the powerful magnetic forces that exert enormous pressure and control on the sun's superhot gases. When a strong twisted magnetic field breaks the sun's surface, the area cools a few thousand degrees. That area appears darker, creating a sunspot. Even though sunspots appear dark, they are actually about 10 times brighter than the full moon. Large sunspots have two distinct parts: the inner darker core called the umbra and a large lighter surrounding region called the penumbra.

Sunspots erupt in huge explosions called solar flares. The energy released in a flare is equal to millions of hydrogen bombs. Solar flares propel streams of energy particles from the sun into space. As these particles approach Earth, many are deflected by our magnetic field, the magnetosphere. They are then channeled to the regions around Earth's north and south magnetic poles. These particles then interact with atoms of oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere. This causes them to glow, resulting in the dazzling display of lights called the aurora. As the gusts of solar particles change, the lights dance and sway in the sky.

Advertisement

Solar maximum and solar minimum are two extremes of the sun's 11-year activity cycle. At maximum, sunspots pepper the sun's surface, solar flares erupt, and the sun hurls billion-ton clouds of electrified gas toward Earth.

An increase in solar eruptions may be good for sky watchers who enjoy auroras, but not so good for astronauts and any of the billions of dollars' worth of satellites in orbit. It's also a concern for farmers, surveyors, airlines, emergency managers, financial institutions and many other businesses you deal with every day.

First Published: May 3, 2012, 4:00 a.m.
Updated: May 3, 2012, 4:31 a.m.

Advertisement
RELATED
SHOW COMMENTS (0)  
Join the Conversation
Commenting policy | How to Report Abuse
If you would like your comment to be considered for a published letter to the editor, please send it to letters@post-gazette.com. Letters must be under 250 words and may be edited for length and clarity.
Partners
Advertisement
Inside linebacker Carson Bruener goes through a drill at Steelers minicamp at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on the South Side on Friday, May 9, 2025.
1
sports
'He's my kid and that'll never stop': Carson and Mark Bruener work together now in Steelers family business
In this file photo, pedestrians walk past the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg, where lawmakers are considering a package of six energy proposals from Gov. Josh Shapiro.
2
news
As Pittsburgh faces electricity rate hike of 15%, Pa. lawmakers ratchet up debate on energy sources
Donna Zang and her son Jason Zang stand in front of Donna’s childhood home where Jason lives now in Connoquenessing Township on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Under a proposed sewage plan Zang could potentially have to give up a 100-foot wide right-of-way along the length of his property line, potentially impacting his over 100-year-old barn and other property features.
3
news
In a Butler County town, residents push back on $53 million sewage plan
A U.S. Steel worker holds up a sign at a rally in support of the company’s proposed $15 billion sale to Nippon Steel, outside of the Clairton Mill Works in Clairton Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024.
4
business
With 'a lot of unknowns,' uncertainty and hope loom in Mon Valley over possible U.S. Steel deal
Jack Suwinski looks up at the scoreboard as the Yankees score another run on Opening Day at PNC Park on Friday, April 4, 2025.
5
sports
Pirates Pipeline: Back in Triple-A, Jack Suwinski hopes consistent work, mindset will lead to better results
Advertisement
LATEST news
Advertisement
TOP
Email a Story