Understanding Solar Minimum

What is the term used to describe the period when sunspots fade away every 11 years?

• Solar Eclipse

• Solar Minimum

• Solar Maximum

• Solar Flare

What are coronal holes and how do they affect space weather?

• Regions of intense heat causing solar flares

• Regions that block solar radiation

• Areas where the sun's magnetic field opens, allowing solar wind to escape

• Dark spots on the sun's surface

How does solar minimum affect Earth's upper atmosphere?

• It cools and collapses slightly

• It remains unchanged

• It heats up and expands

• It becomes more turbulent

What happens to the number of galactic cosmic rays reaching Earth during solar minimum?

• They disappear completely

• They increase

• They remain constant

• They decrease significantly

Why is there an increased threat to astronauts during solar minimum?

• The sun's magnetic field weakens, providing less shielding

• The sun's magnetic field strengthens

• There are more solar flares

• The Earth's atmosphere becomes more protective