What happens to the magnetic polarities of the sunspots when a new cycle begin?

Answer 1

The number of sunspots is constantly changing. The Sun's activity level goes through an 11 year cycle; right now, we are at the minimum of the Sun's activity, and the sunspot number is very low. (In 2008, there were almost 300 days when the sunspot number was zero.) The number of sunspots will probably begin climbing fairly soon, and we can expect the next solar maximum to occur in 2012 or 2013.

You can see the sunspot number at spaceweather.com.

Answer 2

At the Solar Minimum, the magnetic polarity of "new cycle" sunspots is reversed as compared to "old cycle" sunspots. Sometimes, both new and old cycle sunspots exist on the Sun at the same time.

The new Solar Cycle #24 officially began 18 months ago with the observation of the first "new cycle" sunspot based on magnetic polarity. But the Sun appears to be stuck in an extended minimum; as of August 24, 2009, the Sun has been "spotless" for 44 consecutive days. This is no unheard of; the records being "broken" now are only about 100 years old. But in the 1600's, an 80-year long period of very few sunspots coincided with the "Little Ice Age". Google "Maunder Minimum" for more details about this.

Answer 3

The sunspot cycle is about 11 years long, on average; some are a little shorter, some a little longer - and some a LOT longer. This last cycle, Solar Cycle 23, was actually closer to 13 years trough to trough.

At the minimum, the sunspot numbers are often zero, and usually a fairly low number. From 2007 to 2009, there were generally 250 or more spot-less days each year. This cycle, Solar Cycle 24 really started in December 2009, and there have been few spot-less days since.

The number of spots per day at the peak varies; some cycles are fairly mild, and some are quite active. Cycle 23 was about average, and so far Cycle 24 looks like it may be fairly mild.

You can see the sunspot numbers each day at spaceweather.com, and you can view photos of the Sun each day at www.solarham.com.

Answer 4

changes in earth's temperatures

Answer 5

Yes.