Lab: Sunspot Anaylysis Introduction: Photographs on the sun show dark areas on its surface. These spots are believed to be due to solar storms, areas of cooler gases on the surface. The number and pattern of these spots change with time.
When data collected over many years are graphed, a pattern emerges. This picture-like representation makes it easier to see relationships that are not obvious from a column of numbers.
1. Using the data given, graph the number of sunspots in the years from 1950 to 2000.
2. Be sure to completely label the graph with graph title axis titles
Year Number of Sunspots Year Number of Sunspots 1955 4 1972 69
1956 141 1973 38
1957 176 1974 34
1958 185 1975 16
1960 112 1976 13
1961 54 1977 27
1962 38 1978 93
1963 28 1979 155
1964 10 1980 146
1965 15 1981 134
1966 47 1982 116
1967 94 1983 72
1968 106 1984 46
1969 106 1985 24
1970 105 1986 27*
1971 67 1989 154*
*taken off internet 1990 148* www.exploratorium.edu
1992 100*
1995 15*
**put in graph
ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSIONS
1. Describe the pattern shown on this graph.
2. List the peaks on the graph (or use the table) in which sunspot maximums occurred.
3. Calculate the average time span ( to the tenth of a year) between maximums. SHOW YOUR WORK!
4. List the troughs on the graph ( or use the table) in which sunspot minimums occurred.
5. Calculate the average time span (to the tenth of a year) between minimums SHOW YOUR WORK.
6. Using these two averages from above, calculate the average time of one complete sunspot cycle SHOW YOUR WORK.
7. From your data predict when the next maxima will occur following the data points given.
8. . From your data predict when the next minima will occur following the data points given.
9. Extrapolate this graph at its present rate to determine approximately how many sunspots will occur in the year that you will be graduated from high school.
Year you’ll graduate _____________
10. Looking in your text, learn about sun flares and solar prominences. Write a short statement defining flares and prominences and how they relate to sunspots.
11. Using sentences, describe two ways solar maxima activity affect humans on earth.
12. With your text, research the ozone layer and its thinning. How will this atmospheric condition cause consequences for humans on Earth during solar maxima?