Sunspot Detectives

Since the early 1600s, keen observers armed with telescopes have turned their gaze to the Sun, sketching its dynamic surface on paper. These sketches revealed sunspots, which are regions with concentrated magnetic fields. The ebb and flow of sunspots, creates the approximately 11-year solar cycle, which is crucial for understanding the Sun's magnetic behavior. This magnetic activity influences Earth's system and can trigger phenomena like flares and solar energetic particles, posing a threat to electronic devices. Historical solar drawings dating back to the 1600s serve as our direct link to the Sun's magnetic past, offering valuable insights.

To harness the wealth of information embedded in these historical records, one key parameter is the count of sunspots. This count contributes to the creation of the international sunspot number series, a vital tool in solar research. Our collaborative effort between the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research in Göttingen, Germany, and the National Institute for Astrophysics Observatory of Rome in Italy, focuses on extracting data from 19th-century solar drawings from the Collegio Romano observatory in Rome.

This project invites you to become a sunspot detective, contributing to what stands as the longest-running experiment in astrophysics. By participating, you play a pivotal role in advancing our comprehension of the Sun's intricate magnetic past and its enduring impact on Earth. Join us in unraveling the Sun's secrets, as we embark on this fascinating journey through time and space.