Granulation refers to the pattern of small, bright cells on the surface of the Sun, caused by convection currents. These cells are known as granules and are typically around 1,000 kilometers in diameter.
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Granules are formed by hot plasma rising to the surface and then cooling and sinking back down.
Each granule lasts for about 8 to 20 minutes before dissipating.
The edges of granules appear darker because the plasma is cooler there.
Granulation patterns can be observed using high-resolution solar telescopes.
The study of granulation helps astronomers understand convective processes in the Sun's photosphere.