sunspot

noun

sun·​spot ˈsən-ˌspät 

: any of the dark spots that appear at times on the sun's surface and are usually visible only through a telescope

Examples of sunspot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Note the sunspots and cloudy smears in the lower half of the window at right. —Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2023

Predictions are based on a formula that includes sunspot activity, moon phases, and the position of the planets. —Zachary Smith, cleveland, 8 Aug. 2023

These sunspots are associated with higher levels of solar activity, often the indicator that solar flares or coronal mass ejections are likely to occur. —Ellie Willard, The Arizona Republic, 7 July 2023

Water vapor even exists on our sun in sunspot regions. —Ashley Strickland, CNN, 2 May 2023

The formula uses sunspot activity, tidal action of the moon, the position of the planets and other factors to make predictions, but the entirety of its contents are allegedly known only by a single prognosticator with the pseudonym of Caleb Weatherbee, the site said. —Rae Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 14 Aug. 2023

Special telescopes All of the filters above will show the sun’s surface and any large features such as sunspots and the curve of the moon blocking the sun inch by inch. —Dean Regas, The Enquirer, 20 July 2023

In June scientists monitored 163 sunspots, according to NOAA. —Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 18 July 2023

Astronomers have been watching the sun closely this year and detecting additional solar activity like sunspots and solar prominences that have triggered the northern lights. —Dean Regas, The Enquirer, 14 June 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sunspot

noun

sun·​spot -ˌspät 

: one of the dark spots that appear from time to time on the sun's surface and are usually visible only through a telescope