Solar cycle 24 on its way

Science has only just begun to understand how cyclical changes in the Sun effect Earth’s weather and climate. But the more technological human society grows, the more vulnerable we may become.

Activity on the Sun is due to reach its peak around early 2014, so expect more flares, eruptions and ejections for the next few years. Early predictions say the estimated Sun activity between 2020-2030 may not be nearly as intense as the 2000-teens. (Space.com)

The solar cycle, or the solar magnetic activity cycle, is a periodic change in the amount of irradiation from the Sun that is experienced on Earth. It has a period of about 11 years, and is one component of solar variation, the other being aperiodic fluctuations. Solar variation causes changes in space weather and to some degree weather and climate on Earth. The cycle is observed by counting the frequency and placement of sunspots visible on the Sun.

Powered by a hydromagnetic dynamo process, driven by the inductive action of internal solar flows, the solar cycle:

• Structures the Sun’s atmosphere, its corona and the wind;
• Modulates the solar irradiance;
• Modulates the flux of short-wavelength solar radiation, from ultraviolet to X-ray;
• Modulates the occurrence frequency of solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and other geoeffective solar eruptive phenomena;
• Indirectly modulates the flux of high-energy galactic cosmic rays entering the solar system.

 

 Solar Influences Data Analysis Center

Solar Cycle 24 Panel: Summary of Panel Findings