How do sunspots affect conditions here on Earth?
The Earth is affected by both solar flares and sunspots. Solar flares emit high-speed particles which cause auroras, known in the northern hemisphere as Northern Lights. Particles from solar flares can also disrupt radio communication, and the radiation from the flares can give passengers in airplanes a dose of radiation equivalent to a medical X-ray. Sunspots may have a long-term connection with the Earth’s climate. Scientists are currently debating whether ice ages on Earth are related to the Sun having fewer sunspots than usual.
