Computer model explains low solar activity
Posted: Thu, Mar 3, 2011, 7:40 AM ET (1240 GMT)
Scientists said a new computer model can explain why the Sun had a low level of activity in recent years. In a paper published in the journal Nature, American and Indian scientists explained solar activity through computer models of "plasma rivers" that flow from the Sun's equator to its polar regions. These plasma rivers change speeds, and a faster speed during the first half of the Sun's 11-year cycle followed by a slowdown can explain low level of solar activity during the recent solar minimum. The Sun is now headed to another peak in activity over the next few years, although predictions call for a lower level of activity than in the previous few cycles.
Scientists said a new computer model can explain why the Sun had a low level of activity in recent years. In a paper published in the journal Nature, American and Indian scientists explained solar activity through computer models of "plasma rivers" that flow from the Sun's equator to its polar regions. These plasma rivers change speeds, and a faster speed during the first half of the Sun's 11-year cycle followed by a slowdown can explain low level of solar activity during the recent solar minimum. The Sun is now headed to another peak in activity over the next few years, although predictions call for a lower level of activity than in the previous few cycles.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
China launches first Long March 12A, but booster landing fails
Posted: Sun, Dec 28 9:50 AM ET (1450 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Monday, December 29
Iran Says It Launched 3 Satellites Into Space From Russia
AFP — 5:08 am ET (1008 GMT) Starlink withdraws satellite services from Papua New Guinea
Radio New Zealand — 5:07 am ET (1007 GMT) SpaceX Rocket Launch of Italian Satellite Scrubbed Again
Noozhawk — 5:04 am ET (1004 GMT) If we're going to vacation on the Moon, we need to make sure no-one is left behind
BBC — 5:03 am ET (1003 GMT) New Outer Hebrides spaceport won't launch rockets on a Sunday
The Sunday Post — 5:02 am ET (1002 GMT) |
