Abstract.
Sunspots are the most readily visible manifestations of solar magnetic field concentrations and of their interaction with the Sun's plasma. Although sunspots have been extensively studied for almost 400 years and their magnetic nature has been known since 1908, our understanding of a number of their basic properties is still evolving, with the last decades producing considerable advances. In the present review I outline our current empirical knowledge and physical understanding of these fascinating structures. I concentrate on the internal structure of sunspots, in particular their magnetic and thermal properties and on some of their dynamical aspects.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received 27 September 2002 / Published online 3 March 2003
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Solanki, S. Sunspots: An overview. The Astron Astrophys Rev 11, 153–286 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00159-003-0018-4
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00159-003-0018-4