Astronomers speak of a 22-year solar sunspot cycle because it is the time it takes
A) to go from sunspot minimum to sunspot maximum.
B) to go from one sunspot maximum to the next sunspot maximum.
C) to go from one sunspot minimum to the next sunspot minimum.
D) the Sun's magnetic pattern to repeat itself,which equals two sunspot cycles.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The 22-year solar cycle, also known as the Hale cycle, refers to the period it takes for the Sun's magnetic field to complete a full cycle of flipping and then returning to its original state, which encompasses two 11-year sunspot cycles (from maximum to minimum to maximum). This cycle affects the polarity of sunspots and the Sun's magnetic field, hence D is correct.

Astronomers Speak of a 22-Year Solar Sunspot Cycle Because It