images

Sun with sunspots

by

J.Lodriguss/Novapix

Reference

a-sol01-00003

Date

2006-09-23

Sunspots are cooler areas on the sun's surface, the photosphere, associated with strong local magnetic activity. The spots, which are about 4,500 degrees K, only look dark because of the contrast with the surrounding surface, which is about 6,000 degrees K.