Solar Activity

Throughout this topic, you have learned that the Sun is very active. This activity impacts life on the Earth when the radiation from the Sun comes in contact with the Earth’s atmosphere. Coronal mass ejections can cause disruptions to human technology. Sunspots are cooler areas of the Sun that are caused by magnetic fields blocking convection. The radiation traveling toward Earth can sometimes create a spectacular show of lights called the aurora. This magnificent show takes place in the high northern and southern latitudes and can light up the night sky.