Are There Sunspots That Are Darker and Cooler?

💡 The Answer

• Yes, sunspots appear dark because they are about 3,500 Kelvin cooler than the surrounding 5,500 Kelvin surface.
• They are temporary phenomena caused by intense magnetic fields that inhibit convection.
• Sunspots follow an 11-year cycle, with a minimum and maximum in activity.
• Large sunspot groups can be visible from Earth without a telescope during sunset.