sunspot

Definition

A temporary dark spot that appears on the surface of the sun, caused by intense magnetic activity that creates cooler regions in the photosphere. Sunspots vary in size and number in an 11-year cycle and can influence Earth's climate and communications.

Example Usage

Solar astronomers tracked a massive sunspot crossing the visible disk of the sun last week.

Origin

Compound of 'sun' and 'spot'; term used since the 17th century when telescopes first revealed these features.

Fun Fact

The famous Maunder Minimum (1645–1715) saw a dramatic reduction in sunspots, coinciding with unusually cold temperatures on Earth known as the 'Little Ice Age.'

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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