How Do Sunspots Affect the Earth's Atmosphere?
Sunspots and Solar Wind
Sunspots are portions of the sun that are cooler than the surrounding material and look darker even without the aid of a telescope. The cooler temperatures create increased magnetic activity. An increased amount of sunspots can cause more solar wind to flow from the sun. Solar wind is a flow of charged particles that are able to escape the sun's atmosphere because of their increased energy. Some astronomers believe parts of comet tails are also the result of solar wind. The particles in the solar wind can interact with the upper part of the earth's atmosphere, called the ionosphere.
From Wind to Storm
Sunspots occur in cycles or seasons, just as many regions on earth have a rainy season. A sunspot sighted on January 4, 2008 began a new 11-year cycle (Sunspot Cycle 24). High levels of solar wind can even bring a solar storm where large quantities of magnetized material is send into the earth's atmosphere. Though not physically dangerous, this material interferes with electronic equipment. A solar storm has the potential to knockout communications satellites, interfere with radio waves, and destroy GPS data.
How our Atmosphere Reacts
When increases in solar wind or solar storms occur, the charged particles can cause background static in the data transmitted from satellites. In extreme circumstances, the ionosphere heats and swells in reaction to the heat, which further interferes with data transfer. Earth has its own magnetic field that protects us from most of these particles, but there can be stunning visual display like the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. The Aurora Borealis occurs when the stream of solar wind hits gasses in earth's atmosphere, making the glow and array of colors seen around the world.
Tags: solar wind, Affect Earth, Affect Earth Atmosphere, Aurora Borealis, charged particles