Dotting the Sun's surface are mesmerizing dark patches called sunspots. These cooler regions are caused by the Sun's powerful magnetic field, which traps heat and prevents it from reaching the surface. Despite their darkness, sunspots are still scorching hot – reaching around 6,300 degrees Fahrenheit compared to the surrounding Sun at 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit. They appear in pairs with opposite magnetic polarities and play a significant role in the Sun's activity, influencing solar flares and eruptions that can impact Earth's technology and even our aurora borealis.