SUNSPOT ANALYSIS

Photographs of the sun show dark areas on its surface. These spots are believed to be due to solar storms, areas of cooler gases on the surface. The number and pattern of these spots change with time. When the data collected over many years are graphed, a pattern emerges.

Using the data given, graph the number of sunspots in the years from 1943 to 1992.

1. Each peak on the graph represents a sunspot maximum. In which years do these maxima occur?

2. According to the data graphed, during which year did the last maximum occur?

3. What is the average time span (to the nearest tenth of a year) between maxima?

4. What is the average time span (to the nearest tenth of a year) between minima?

5. What is the average time of one complete sunspot cycle?

6. Predict when the next maximum will occur after the last one plotted on your graph. -Use your answers to questions 4 and 5 to assist you on this question.

7. Predict when the next minimum will occur after the last one plotted on your graph. Use your answer to question 6 to assist you on this question.

8. Extrapolate this graph at its present rate to determine approximately how many sunspots will occur in the year that you will be graduated from SPC.

Attachment:- sunspot_analysis.rar