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8B10.50 - Sunspots on an Overhead

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​8B10.50 - Sunspots on an Overhead

Preview
SelectSelected
Title8B10.50 - Sunspots on an Overhead
Objective

​To demonstrate why sunspots appear dark on the surface of the sun.

StatusAvailable
Assembly Instructions

​Place a 500W filament light bulb on its side using a 2.25" tall board on top of an overhead projector.  Focus the overhead onto the filaments of the bulb and aim it to hit the white projection screen in the classroom.  Turn the light bulb on so that it has a visible orange-ish glow.  When the overhead projector is turned on, the hot filament will appear black in comparison to the output of the overhead.

Setup Time7
Operation Time5
Preview Time10
Operation Instructions

​Turn off the room lights and turn on the filament bulb to let the students see the orange-ish glow of the filament.  Then flip on the overhead projector and observe the orange-ish glowing filament appear black in comparison.

ExportableNo
Demo on DimeNo
PIRA 200Yes
Export Instructions (if different)
HazardsNone
Analysis/Information

​The temperature of sunspots are typically around 4500K, producing an orange-ish appearance.  The photosphere of the sun is typically 6000K, producing a yellow-ish appearance.  In comparison, the sunspots appear black against the backdrop of the hotter and brighter photosphere surrounding the sunspots.

Category8 Astronomy
Subcategory8B - Stellar Astronomy
Keywordssunspot, sun, spot, solar, temperature, comparison
Construction Information
 
Equipment TitleUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
  
QuantityUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
  
overhead projector
1
light bulb - 500W, 115V, filament
1
variac
1
switch - on/off with power outlet
1
wood spacer - 2.25" tall (hanging next to lights)
1