Question

describe and discuss the full cycle and its causes. Discuss the surface features related to the Solar cycle that we observe on the Sun and explain the evidence for the Sun's magnetic field reversing. Also describe other features and activity on the Sun related to Solar Cycle

Answer 1

Sun is a ball which is huge and made up of hot gases that are electrically-charged. These charged gases keep moving that generates a magnetic field powerful in nature. This magnetic field of sun goes through a cycle or nearly a period of 11years change in the activity of the sun and is called the solar cycle. It is completely caused by the magnetic field that keeps on changing and as it changes the amount of activity of sun on the surface of the sun also changes which gives rise to the sun cycle.

The surface features that are related to the Solar cycle observed on the Sun are -

(i) Sunspots are regions of decreased surface temperature due to the concentrations of magnetic flux (generated due to the magnetic field of the sun) that prevents convection. They appear as pairs of magnetic polarity that are opposite to each other. These are directly related to the 11-year sun cycle marked with the appearance and disappearance of the number of sunspots.

(ii) Solar flares are the interruptions in the sun's magnetic field energy, these solar flares are created when the loop of the magnetic field of sun breaks causing explosions and a large amount of energy is released. As it breaks the magnetic field energy so the changes in magnetic field energy in the sun cycle takes place due to this.

(iii) Solar prominences connect two sunspots when the plasma flows in a loop within the Sun’s magnetic field from one sunspot to another then a glowing arch is created, this is solar prominence. As the magnetic field is involved it is a part of sun cycle.

The evidence for the Sun's magnetic field reversing is obtained through current sheets that are the sprawling surface extending outwards from the equator of the sun where the magnetic field of the sun that is slowly rotating induces an electrical current. When the magnetic field of the sun reverses then these current sheets show wavy nature.