NASA | Holly Gilbert Discusses Sunspots

Dr. Holly Gilbert from NASA discusses the significance of a massive sunspot, the largest in 24 years, and its potential impact on Earth. Sunspots are regions on the Sun with strong magnetic fields, leading to solar storms and Coronal Mass Ejections. These can affect Earth's technology by interacting with its magnetic field. NASA, along with NOAA, monitors sunspots using the Solar Dynamics Observatory and other missions. A new mission, MMS, will study solar flare processes. For more information, visit nasa.gov/sunearth.

What makes the current sunspot particularly noteworthy?

• It is the only sunspot visible from Earth.

• It is the largest sunspot observed in 24 years.

• It is the smallest sunspot ever recorded.

• It is the first sunspot to be observed from space.

Why is it important to study sunspots?

• They are responsible for the Earth's magnetic field.

• They are regions where solar storms and space weather originate.

• They help predict weather patterns on Earth.

• They are the main source of Earth's heat.

How can solar storms potentially affect Earth?

• By causing earthquakes.

• By altering ocean currents.

• By disrupting satellites and power grids.

• By increasing global temperatures.

What is the Solar Dynamics Observatory's role in sunspot research?

• It tracks the movement of planets.

• It measures the Earth's magnetic field.

• It images the Sun continuously to monitor sunspots.

• It predicts weather changes on Earth.

What is the purpose of the upcoming MMS mission?

• To study the processes that create solar flares.

• To observe distant galaxies.

• To monitor the Earth's atmosphere.

• To explore the surface of Mars.