First Published May 2023
The Solar Cycle - a storm is coming...
Item from the Energy Syndicate
The Solar Cycle is the term used to describe the observed regular pattern that our Sun goes through. The regular patterns see Solar activity increase and decrease from a ‘solar minimum’ to a ‘solar maximum’ phase. The Sun generates a huge magnetic field and, like the Earth, has a north and south pole. During the solar maximum phase the poles flip, seeing what was the south pole becoming the north and the north becoming the south pole. These poles then remain as they are until the next solar maximum phase when they apparently flip again. The solar cycle has been observed to be approximately 11 years but this is an average and can fluctuate. To date, observations have seen a cycle as quick as 8 years and as long as 14 years. The solar cycle is characterized by the intensity and frequency of solar activity. Sunspots, solar flares and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) all increase around the Sun’s solar maximum.
The hot, electrically charged gas of the Sun creates a powerful magnetic field. In the areas where the magnetic field gets particularly strong, dark patches emerge. The dark patches, which are cooler than the surrounding area, are known as sunspots. The sunspots are the visible signs that underneath the conditions are getting stormy, with magnetic fields getting intense and twisted. The more sunspots there are, the more solar activity there is. These increase as the Sun moves to a solar maximum.
Solar flares are linked to the sunspots. They produce bursts of light and x-ray radiation. This happens when the concentrated, twisting, magnetic fields reconnect in explosive fashion. The classification of Solar Flares, going from least to most intense is: B, C, M and X. M-class Solar flares can cause radio blackout and risk to astronauts.
Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) are clouds of particles that come from the Sun at millions of miles per hour. Quite literally pieces of magnetic energy that have become unstable and erupted from the Sun. Once again, the CME’s have sunspot origins. The intensity of the solar wind streams also increases at the times of increased solar activity.
The solar cycle and increased solar activity affects space travel, technology and weather here on Earth. The level of impact depends upon the intensity of the events in the solar cycle. When the solar maximum is not too intense, sometimes described as ‘wimpy’, there is less impact on the weather and can see a reduction in global warming. The last solar maximum in 2014 was described as 'wimpy', and is thought to have been an aid in keeping the rise in global temperature down. The predictions for the next solar maximum has been predicted to be ‘wimpy’ also.
In 2022, The Voice, predicted 2025 would see satellites falling. Although the scientists are currently expecting a ‘wimpy’ solar maximum in 2025, ‘The Voice’ is claiming 2025 will see an intense period of solar activity. This period is going to be a time of considerable concern. The increased solar activity will see a rise in global temperatures, coinciding with a strong El Nino event which also contributes to warming. The space weather is going to affect satellites. The systems that rely on satellites are going to be tested more than most at this current time (Spring 2023) expect. As much as telecommunications may seem of great importance, the state of life itself will emerge as the focus for the hearts and minds of the world. There is less time to change than many of the money and business orientated would like. New ways have to be found quickly. There is no more time for clever arguments.
