3 ms·
From the wikipedia article on sunspots: Since sunspots are darker than the surrounding photosphere it might be expected that more sunspots would lead to less s
by hugh 18y ago
From the wikipedia article on sunspots:
Since sunspots are darker than the surrounding photosphere it might be expected that more sunspots would lead to less solar radiation and a decreased solar constant. However, the surrounding margins of sunspots are hotter than the average, and so are brighter; overall, more sunspots increase the sun's solar constant or brightness.
- river_styx 18y agoBut if this were the cause, wouldn't sunspots put our global temperature in constant flux as the spots themselves migrate and as we orbit and move toward/away from them?
- ars 18y agoThe earth is a tremendous heat sink. The oceans especially will buffer huge amounts of change in temperature.