Solar cycle awakens: A celestial dance with earthly impacts
The Sun has entered a period of maximum activity in its 11-year cycle. We can now expect changes in space weather, which provides scientists with an opportunity to study our star, and for us to observe auroras. However, we must also be aware of the potential consequences.
21 October 2024 10:39
The American National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the international Solar Cycle Prediction Panel have announced that the Sun has entered the phase of maximum activity in its 11-year cycle. This cycle is linked to changes in the Sun's magnetic field, where the poles of the star regularly switch places.
Scientists explain that the progress of the cycle is studied by observing dark spots on the Sun associated with magnetic field activity. As Jamie Favors, director of NASA’s Space Weather Program, explains, the number of sunspots increases during the solar maximum, which in turn, increases solar activity.
"This increase in activity provides an exciting opportunity to learn about our closest star − but also causes real effects at Earth and throughout our solar system," Favors emphasises.
He explains that space weather is extremely important for astronauts, satellites, navigation systems, and power grids. It also causes strong auroras. In 1989, a phenomenon known as the "Quebec Blackout" occurred when a strong electromagnetic storm led to a power grid failure in Quebec, lasting for 12 hours. The effects were felt globally, with airports and subway systems shutting down. Solar storms can also disrupt radio or GPS signals, paralysing activities in many economic sectors.
Strong solar storms
NASA specialists point out that in May this year, the Sun ejected powerful streams of charged particles towards Earth. This caused the most powerful geomagnetic storm in two decades and possibly some of the strongest auroras in 500 years.
Astronomers have monitored solar cycles for hundreds of years. Sunspots were first observed historically in the 17th century by Galileo. Each solar cycle is different—some reach their peak with greater intensity and in a shorter time, while others have smaller but longer-lasting peaks.
Although it is known that the Sun is currently in its most active period, it is not yet certain when its peak will occur. Determining this will require months or even years of observation, as the peak can only be noticed after a prolonged decline in solar activity.
The current maximum period is expected to last about another year. So far, the largest solar storm associated with it occurred on 9 October. There was much discussion about opportunities to observe auroras then. Specialists expect further storms that will cause auroras and, unfortunately, impact Earth's technology. The high solar activity could lead to numerous discoveries about our star. The NASA Parker Solar Probe, which will approach significantly closer to the Sun, can aid this research.
