Scientists have made an exciting discovery about the history of sunspots, thanks to the work of famous astronomer Johannes Kepler. Kepler observed a dark spot on the Sun in 1607, using a simple device called a camera obscura, years before telescopes were used for such observations. Researchers recently studied Kepler's detailed drawings and found that the sunspot he saw was closer to the Sun's middle, which was different from what was seen in later years with telescopes.

This discovery suggests that Kepler's observation was part of an earlier solar cycle, known as Solar Cycle -14, rather than the first telescopic cycle, Solar Cycle -13. This new information helps scientists better understand how the Sun's activity changed over time, especially before a period called the Maunder Minimum, when the Sun had very few sunspots.

The study shows that the Sun's cycles were more regular than previously thought, even in the early 1600s. This is important because it helps us learn more about how the Sun works and how it has changed over centuries. Kepler's early observations, once thought to be a mistake, are now a valuable piece of the puzzle in studying the Sun's history. This research not only helps us understand our star better but also connects historical records with modern science in a fascinating way