A stage of the sun when there are very few sunspots; the Earth receives low amounts of UV and cooler atmospheric temperatures

Answer 1

The stage of the Sun you are referring to is likely the solar minimum. During solar minimum, the Sun exhibits fewer sunspots, which are dark spots on the solar surface that indicate lower solar activity. This period is characterized by a decrease in solar radiation, including ultraviolet (UV) light, which can lead to cooler temperatures in the Earth's atmosphere. The solar cycle typically lasts about 11 years, alternating between solar minimum and solar maximum, with the latter featuring increased sunspot activity and heightened solar radiation.