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Sunspot
Introduction References & Edit History Related Topics
Images & Videos
Study the zoomed-in view of a large sunspot group taken by the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager, March 29, 2010
sunspot group Engraving from Galileo Galilei's 1613 work showing a circular diagram of the sun with labeled sunspots scattered across its surface. Sunspot active region of the Sun photosphere of the Sun Line graph showing average yearly sunspot numbers from 1600 to 2000, with notable low-activity periods highlighted as the Maunder minimum (mid-1600s to early 1700s) and Dalton minimum (late 1700s to early 1800s). The graph illustrates cycles of rising and falling sunspot counts over time. sunspot drawings Diagram of sunspot observations made by Johannes Hevelius, 1647.
Observe a close-up of a rotating sunspot
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View of the Andromeda Galaxy (Messier 31, M31).
Astronomy and Space Quiz
The orbits of the planets and other elements of the solar system, including asteroids, Kuiper belt, Oort cloud, comet
Space Odyssey
Nicolaus Copernicus. Nicolas Copernicus (1473-1543) Polish astronomer. In 1543 he published, forward proof of a Heliocentric (sun centered) universe. Coloured stipple engraving published London 1802. De revolutionibus orbium coelestium libri vi.
All About Astronomy

Sunspot: References & Edit History

Article Contributors

Primary Contributors

  • The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
    Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

Other Contributors

  • Kenneth Lang
    Professor of astrophysics and radio astronomy, Tufts University. Prof. Lang is a world renowned author of popular and scholarly books in astronomy and astrophysics.

Other Encyclopedia Britannica Contributors

Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Article title updated for style. Nov 09, 2026
Add new Web site: LiveScience - How the Sun Gets Its Spots. Jul 28, 2017
Added illustration of sunspots from Galileo's Istoria e dimostrazioni intorno alle macchie solari e loro accidenti. Feb 08, 2012
Photograph of sunspot added. Jul 22, 2010
Article revised and updated. Jul 22, 2010
Media added. Mar 03, 2009
Media added. Feb 09, 2009
Added new Web site: Exploratorium - Sunspots. May 31, 2006
Article added to new online database. Jul 20, 1998
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