Dark patches on the sun are referred to as:​

Correct option is A

Correct Answer: (a) sun spots

• The dark patches observed on the surface of the sun are called sun spots.

• These are temporary regions on the Sun's photosphere that appear darker than surrounding areas because they are cooler (though still extremely hot by Earth standards).

• Sun spots are associated with intense magnetic activity that inhibits convection, leading to a decrease in surface temperature in those regions.

• They follow an approximately 11-year cycle known as the solar cycle, which influences solar radiation, space weather, and even Earth’s climate patterns.

• Temperature: Sun spots have a temperature of around 3,000–4,500°C, compared to the surrounding surface temperature of ~5,800°C.

• Magnetic Field: Strong magnetic fields (thousands of times stronger than Earth’s) are concentrated in sun spots.

• Solar Cycle: The number of sun spots increases and decreases in an 11-year solar cycle.

• Solar Flares & CMEs: Often occur near sun spots and can affect satellites, communication systems, and power grids on Earth.

• Size: Some sun spots can be larger than the Earth itself.

• Observation: First recorded sun spots were observed by Chinese astronomers around 200 BC, and later by Galileo using a telescope.

• Scientific Relevance: Used to study solar dynamics, climate models, and space weather forecasting.