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
|
|
SpaceX sets Nov. 18 launch date for sixth Starship test flight
Posted: Sat, Nov 9 9:57 AM ET (1457 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Saturday, November 23
DirecTV Abandons Deal to Acquire Dish Amid Bondholder Opposition
Hollywood Reporter — 2:16 am ET (0716 GMT) DirecTV Ditches Dish Deal
Variety — 2:16 am ET (0716 GMT) DirecTV calling off Dish Network takeover after bondholders balk
Los Angeles Times — 2:15 am ET (0715 GMT) DirecTV terminates Dish deal over failed debt swap
Reuters — 2:14 am ET (0714 GMT) DirecTV announces termination of deal to buy Dish satellite business
Ars Technica — 2:13 am ET (0713 GMT) |
