How do sunspots change the ionization of the atmosphere?

Sunspots are regions of intense magnetic activity on the surface of the sun. While they appear dark visually, a high sunspot number directly correlates with a massive increase in the emission of ultraviolet (UV) and X-ray radiation from the sun's surrounding areas. When this intense solar radiation reaches the Earth, it strikes the upper atmosphere and strips electrons away from gas molecules. This process creates the ionosphere. Because more sunspots mean more UV and X-ray radiation, a higher sunspot count results in significantly greater ionization of the atmosphere. This heightened level of ionization is highly desirable for amateur radio operators because it creates a thicker, more reflective ionosphere, dramatically improving long-distance (DX) high-frequency propagation.