Sunspots

/ˈsʌnspɑts/ noun

Definition

Dark patches that appear on the sun's surface; magnetic storms that affect solar activity.

Etymology

Compound word from 'sun' (Old English 'sunne') and 'spots' (from Old Norse 'spotti' meaning speck). Became a common term in astronomy after telescopes were invented.

Kelly Says

Sunspot activity follows an 11-year cycle, and scientists have discovered that this cycle correlates with Earth's climate—our sun is more influential on weather than most people realize.

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