päikesetegevuse

Päikesetegevus refers to the dynamic and ever-changing state of the Sun. It is primarily driven by the Sun's magnetic field, which is generated by the movement of electrically charged plasma within the Sun. This magnetic activity manifests in various observable phenomena on and above the Sun's surface.

Key features of päikesetegevus include sunspots, which are temporary, cooler, and darker regions on the Sun's photosphere caused by intense magnetic activity that inhibits convection. Related to sunspots are solar flares, which are sudden, intense bursts of radiation released from magnetic energy that has built up near sunspots. Even more powerful are coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which are massive eruptions of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun's corona.

The cycle of päikesetegevus is approximately 11 years long, known as the solar cycle. During solar maximum, sunspot numbers and flare activity are at their highest, while solar minimum sees a significant decrease in these phenomena. This cycle influences space weather, affecting Earth's magnetosphere, ionosphere, and technological systems. Understanding päikesetegevus is crucial for space exploration, satellite operations, and predicting potential impacts on Earth.