Sunspot Science: Measuring the Frequency and Period of Sunspots
written by
Rebecca E. Vieyra
written by Ramon Lopez written by Shannon Willoughby written by Janelle M. Bailey
This activity for introductory physics introduces authentic sunspot data from NASA's Solar Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) to promote understanding of period and frequency in the context cyclical patterns on the sun. Students will use time-stamped images to identify and analyze patterns in sunspot activity, then apply their findings to calculate the period of a solar cycle. This resource was developed with the support of a Cooperative Agreement from the NASA Heliophysics Education Consortium granted to Temple University and the AAPT. It is appropriate for lower-level undergraduate courses in conceptual physics and algebra-based physics. It can be easily adapted for high school physics courses as well.
Sunspot Science: Measuring the Frequency and Period of Sunspots
by R. Vieyra, R. Lopez, J. Bailey, and S. Willoughby download 1144kb .pdf Published: March 6, 2019 Rights: Temple University and AAPT, 2019
Teacher's Guide: Sunspot Science
by R. Vieyra, R. Lopez, J. Bailey, and S. Willoughby Word Version: Full Instructor's Guide including problem set with answer key download 4343kb .docx Published: March 6, 2019 Rights: Temple University and AAPT
Student Worksheet: Sunspot Science
by R. Vieyra and R. Lopez Printable student handout download 4308kb .docx Published: August 30, 2020 Released under a CC Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 license. Copyright AAPT and Temple University
Next Generation Science StandardsWaves and Their Applications in Technologies for Information Transfer (HS-PS4)
Students who demonstrate understanding can: (9-12)
Disciplinary Core Ideas (K-12)
Wave Properties (PS4.A)
Information Technologies and Instrumentation (PS4.C)
The Universe and its Stars (ESS1.A)
Crosscutting Concepts (K-12)
Patterns (K-12)
Scale, Proportion, and Quantity (3-12)
Systems and System Models (K-12)
Stability and Change (2-12)
Scientific Knowledge Assumes an Order and Consistency in Natural Systems (1-12)
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices (K-12)
Analyzing and Interpreting Data (K-12)
Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking (5-12)
NGSS Nature of Science Standards (K-12)
Analyzing and Interpreting Data (K-12)
Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking (5-12)
ComPADRE is beta testing Citation Styles!
Record Link
<a href="https://www.compadre.org/portal/items/detail.cfm?ID=14987">Vieyra, R, R. Lopez, S. Willoughby, and J. Bailey. "Sunspot Science: Measuring the Frequency and Period of Sunspots." 2019.</a>
AIP Format
R. Vieyra, R. Lopez, S. Willoughby, and J. Bailey, , 2019, WWW Document, (https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=14987&DocID=5038).
AJP/PRST-PER
R. Vieyra, R. Lopez, S. Willoughby, and J. Bailey, Sunspot Science: Measuring the Frequency and Period of Sunspots, 2019, <https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=14987&DocID=5038>.
APA Format
Vieyra, R., Lopez, R., Willoughby, S., & Bailey, J. (2019). Sunspot Science: Measuring the Frequency and Period of Sunspots. Retrieved April 27, 2024, from https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=14987&DocID=5038
Chicago Format
Vieyra, R, R. Lopez, S. Willoughby, and J. Bailey. "Sunspot Science: Measuring the Frequency and Period of Sunspots." 2019. https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=14987&DocID=5038 (accessed 27 April 2024).
MLA Format
Vieyra, Rebecca E., Ramon Lopez, Shannon Willoughby, and Janelle Bailey. Sunspot Science: Measuring the Frequency and Period of Sunspots. 2019. 27 Apr. 2024 <https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=14987&DocID=5038>.
BibTeX Export Format
@techreport{
Author = "Rebecca E. Vieyra and Ramon Lopez and Shannon Willoughby and Janelle Bailey",
Title = {Sunspot Science: Measuring the Frequency and Period of Sunspots},
Month = {March},
Year = {2019}
}
Refer Export Format
%A Rebecca E. Vieyra %A Ramon Lopez %A Shannon Willoughby %A Janelle Bailey %T Sunspot Science: Measuring the Frequency and Period of Sunspots %D March 6, 2019 %U https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=14987&DocID=5038 %O application/pdf
EndNote Export Format
%0 Report %A Vieyra, Rebecca E. %A Lopez, Ramon %A Willoughby, Shannon %A Bailey, Janelle %D March 6, 2019 %T Sunspot Science: Measuring the Frequency and Period of Sunspots %8 March 6, 2019 %U https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=14987&DocID=5038 Disclaimer: ComPADRE offers citation styles as a guide only. We cannot offer interpretations about citations as this is an automated procedure. Please refer to the style manuals in the Citation Source Information area for clarifications.
Citation Source Information
The AIP Style presented is based on information from the AIP Style Manual. The APA Style presented is based on information from APA Style.org: Electronic References. The Chicago Style presented is based on information from Examples of Chicago-Style Documentation. The MLA Style presented is based on information from the MLA FAQ. |
SupplementsContributeSimilar MaterialsCME Science: Measuring the Velocity of a Coronal Mass Ejection Exoplanet Atmospheres Science: Determining Atmospheric Composition of Exoplanets Featured By
Physics Front |