Measuring the Frequency and Period of Sunspots

Close-up of sunspots on the surface of the Sun.
Levels
  • intermediate
  • advanced
NGSS
  • ps4
  • ess1
Requirements
  • low_tech
  • low_cost
CreditAmerican Association of Physics Teachers
Language
  • english

Analyze sunspots on NASA’s SOHO coronagraph images to make meaning of cyclical patterns using the terms period and frequency. This activity is appropriate for high school and university introductory physics and astronomy courses. It can be adapted for use in middle school.

This resource includes a Digi Kit, which is a web-based interactive lab that blends physics, geometry, and astronomy as students build and use a physical model to explore how scientists study sunspots. Access the Sunspot Science Digi Kit at https://www.compadre.org/books/?ID=66&FID=56452