starspots

Definition

Astronomy

• The equivalent of sunspots on stars other than the Sun. Spots are suspected of existing on

  variable stars

  whose brightness dips as they turn comparatively spotted faces towards Earth. By analogy with the Sun, where sunspots are associated with strong

  magnetism

  , starspots would indicate strong

  magnetic fields

  for the stars in question. Starspots covering a quarter of the surface of Proxima Centauri have been detected by the Hubble Space Telescope, accounting for a 41-day variability in its output.

Nearby Definitions of “starspots”

• standard deviation
• Standard Gamble
• staple
• star
• star classification
• starspots
• starter
• state
• static
• station
• Stationers' Company

Contexts for “starspots”

1 definition in context
• Astronomy