Next sunspot cycle predicted to be intense
Posted: Tue, Mar 7, 2006, 2:09 PM ET (1909 GMT)
Space scientists announced Monday that they expect the next cycle of sunspots and associated solar activity to be as much as 50 percent stronger than the most recent one. Researchers used a model of solar activity that predicted the previous eight 11-year cycles with 98% accuracy to conclude that the upcoming cycle, which will peak in 2012, will start as much as a year late and be 30-50% stronger than the previous cycle. Periods of high sunspot counts are associated with strong solar activity, including storms that can disrupt power and communications systems on Earth and create brilliant auroral displays. The Sun is currently at a minima in its activity cycle, with virtually no sunspots observed on the Sun in the last several weeks.
Space scientists announced Monday that they expect the next cycle of sunspots and associated solar activity to be as much as 50 percent stronger than the most recent one. Researchers used a model of solar activity that predicted the previous eight 11-year cycles with 98% accuracy to conclude that the upcoming cycle, which will peak in 2012, will start as much as a year late and be 30-50% stronger than the previous cycle. Periods of high sunspot counts are associated with strong solar activity, including storms that can disrupt power and communications systems on Earth and create brilliant auroral displays. The Sun is currently at a minima in its activity cycle, with virtually no sunspots observed on the Sun in the last several weeks.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
Space Force picks 14 companies for GEO surveillance program
Posted: Sat, Apr 11 10:34 AM ET (1434 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Wednesday, April 22
Worried About U.S. Democracy, Astronauts Are Launching a Political Nonprofit
Wall Street Journal — 4:14 am ET (0814 GMT) ESA funds Polish radio telescope to monitor solar outbursts
ESA — 4:14 am ET (0814 GMT) No one can hear you screen: US Space Command keeps watch on Iran's missile launches
The National (UAE) — 4:11 am ET (0811 GMT) Space Force scrambles to repair workforce as massive budget increase looms
Defense One — 4:10 am ET (0810 GMT) “Project Quartz” satellite ground station network teased by Blue Origin president
Data Center Dynamics — 4:07 am ET (0807 GMT) |
