[AZ-Observing] Re: 486 488 501

On Tue, 18 Nov 2003 17:02:02 EST, Jeffmight@xxxxxxx wrote:

> Spaceweather uses "helioseismic holography" to track sunspots on the farside 
> of the sun. I would like to learn more of how this process works. Just the 
> name implies the huge effects sunspots have on the sun. 
>     As to the designation of sunspots I think just numbering them is a little 
> unimaginative. I think they should be given names of rock stars "Sunspot 
> Hendrix" "Sunspot Jagger" etc. I mean as many sunspot groups that appear at 
> any 
> one time it couldn't be that tough to give them interesting names. 
>     My 2 cents  Jeff Vandecar

The link under the "The Far Side of the Sun" image on SpaceWeather.com[1]
leads to an explanation[2].

The sunspots could just be surface artifacts.  The spots, being cooler,
would be like oil poured on stormy ocean water which, as Benjamin Franklin
noted, calms the immediate area.  These spots would then be noticeable by
watching the waves (surface movement) on the near side (given enough
computing power).

        -Paul


[1] http://www.spaceweather.com/
[2] http://www.spaceweather.com/glossary/farside.html
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