Scientists claim that the Sun Cycle Activity is reaching its peak earlier than expected
Sun follows a cycle of 11 years during which solar activities fluctuate between solar maxima (highest number of sunspots) or solar minima (lowest number of sunspots).
Solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CME), high-speed solar wind, etc. are forms of solar activity.
what are sunspots?
Sunspots are small and dark, yet cooler areas formed on the solar surface with strong magnetic forces.
- Sunspots vary as the amount of magnetic flux that rises up to Sun’s surface varies with time in a cycle called the solar cycle, also called sunspot cycle, usually lasting for 11 years.
Every 11 years or so, the Sun’s magnetic field completely flips. This means that the Sun’s north and south poles switch places.
So far, astronomers have documented 24 such cycles, the last one ended in the year 2019.
Recent observations point to signs that the 25th cycle is reaching its peak which was early forecasted to reach in July 2025.
Impact of solar activities on Earth;
- Solar storms or flares can typically affect space-dependent operations like GPS, radio, and satellite communications.
- Hampering flight operations, power grids, and space exploration programs.
- CMEs are common during solar peaks and create disturbances in Earth’s magnetosphere, the protective shield surrounding the planet.