What are Sun Spots and Flares?
A. Sun spots are dark spots that move across the surface of the Sun, expanding and contracting as they move. This dark area is a temporary concentration of the Sun’s magnetic field. A flare is the release of the magnetic energy from the area of the sun spot. If this magnetic energy reaches the earth, it can affect electronic equipment such as satellites and other equipment used in the telecommunications industry. It can also affect RF transmissions such as cable TV and can affect electrical power grids.