August 11, 2021

A new and complex solar cycle has been recognized as beginning by scientists.

multiple observatories, global | National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO)

Watercolor painting based depiction of A new and complex solar cycle has been recognized as beginning by scientists. (2021)

Start of Solar Cycle 25 - August 11, 2021

On August 11, 2021, scientists formally recognized the beginning of Solar Cycle 25, marking a new phase in the 11-year solar cycle that governs solar activity. The announcement, led by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), pinpointed December 2019 as the beginning of this latest cycle, after a period of minimum solar activity.

Context and Significance

The solar cycle is a periodic 11-year change in the Sun’s activity and appearance, including variations in the number of sunspots, which are temporary phenomena on the Sun’s photosphere appearing as spots darker than the surrounding areas. These cycles have implications for space weather, which can impact satellite communications and power systems on Earth.

Solar Cycle 25 is expected to be similar in intensity to its predecessor, Solar Cycle 24, which was relatively mild compared to previous cycles. Scientists reached this conclusion by examining the number and intensity of sunspots and related solar activity.

Key Details

  • Announcing Organizations: The announcement was made by NASA and NOAA in partnership with an international panel of experts from the Solar Cycle 25 Prediction Panel.
  • Solar Activity Indicators: The cycle begins following the solar minimum, the period when the Sun’s surface activity is at its lowest. Experts had used key indicators such as sunspot observation to determine this transition.
  • Solar Impact: Increased solar activity during a solar cycle’s peak can lead to enhanced occurrences of solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which can influence space weather conditions affecting technology on Earth.

Upcoming Expectations

The peak of Solar Cycle 25, identified as the solar maximum, is forecasted to occur around 2025. It is during this period that solar activity is expected to be at its highest, potentially impacting satellites, GPS systems, power grids, and could present a dazzling display of auroras at higher latitudes.

Importance

Understanding and predicting the patterns of solar cycles are crucial for preparing and mitigating the effects of solar activity on modern technology. With Solar Cycle 25 expected to have a similar strength to Solar Cycle 24, researchers hope this predictive pattern further aids in the management of related risks.

The recognition of each new solar cycle provides valuable data that enhances long-term models of solar activity and its broader impacts on Earth and beyond, marking important moments in the study of heliophysics and space weather forecasting.

Source: www.nasa.gov

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