What are sunspots?

Sunspots are indeed dark blemishes on the surface of the sun, specifically located in the photosphere. These spots appear darker than the surrounding areas due to their relatively lower temperature. While the surface of the sun typically reaches temperatures around 5,500 degrees Celsius (9,932 degrees Fahrenheit), sunspots can be approximately 1,500 to 2,000 degrees Celsius (2,732 to 3,632 degrees Fahrenheit) cooler.

This temperature difference causes sunspots to appear darker, despite their substantial size, which can be larger than Earth. They are associated with magnetic activity; the intense magnetic fields in these regions inhibit convection and cooler plasma accumulates, resulting in the formation of these spots. Sunspots also play an important role in solar phenomena, influencing solar flares and prominences, but they are distinctly characterized by their dark appearance against the sun's bright surface.