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Our own star, the Sun, is entering a phase known as a solar maximum, and that means things are about to get interesting. As Jamie Favors, who heads
Our own star, the Sun, is entering a phase known as a solar maximum, and that means things are about to get interesting. As Jamie Favors, who heads NASA’s Space Weather Program, explains, a solar maximum is a period of increased sunspot abundance and solar activity that affects both our understanding of space and our daily life on Earth.
“This increase in activity presents an exciting opportunity to learn about our nearest star, but it also has real-world consequences for Earth and our solar system,” Favors said.
First, let’s learn what solar maximum is. This is part of an 11-year cycle of changes in the Sun’s magnetic activity. This cycle reaches its peak during solar maximum, when the Sun’s magnetic poles reverse; much like the Earth’s North and South magnetic poles switch places every decade. This sudden change leads to an increase in solar activity.
How does it manifest itself? The Sun’s surface is dotted with more sunspots, resulting in more solar flares and the ejection of more solar material known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs).
All this is due to the rotations of the Sun’s magnetic field. Sunspots resemble dark spots on the Sun’s surface; They are cooler than their surroundings and are the centers of solar flares.
The International Solar Cycle Forecast Group, jointly supported by NASA and NOAA, has been monitoring sunspots and predicting solar activity since 1989. The group’s findings are critical to preparing for possible Earth impacts. Both NASA and NOAA have developed ways to track the sun’s peculiarities. This is critical because what happens on the Sun can affect space weather, which can lead to consequences on Earth that range from beautiful to devastating.
Believe it or not, the Sun’s quirks can affect your daily life. These flares and CMEs can create solar storms, blanketing the Earth with charged particles. Once they reach our planet, they can interact with the Earth’s magnetic field and even cause geomagnetic storms.
Invisible to the naked eye, these storms can disrupt satellite communications, affect radio and GPS signals, and in extreme cases, even affect power grids. Many of you probably don’t remember the massive power outage in Quebec in 1989 caused by a very powerful geomagnetic storm. With solar maximum on the horizon, monitoring space weather is more important than ever.
In May 2024, the Sun put on a big show with a series of intense flares and CMEs, resulting in some of the strongest geomagnetic storms we’ve seen in two decades. Not only did this result in bright auroras, but it could also disrupt power grids and communications networks.
“This announcement does not mean that this is the peak of solar activity that we will see in this solar cycle,” said Elsaid Talaat, SWPC director of space weather operations. “As the Sun reaches its solar maximum, the month in which solar activity peaks on the Sun will not be determined for months or years.”
Solar maximum may last another year. Meanwhile, scientists are closely monitoring the number of sunspots to measure the full extent of the solar cycle. The tradition of observing sunspots dates back to when Galileo first noticed them in the early 1600s.
“Sunspot activity during solar cycle 25 slightly exceeded expectations,” said Lisa Upton, co-chair of the Solar Cycle Forecast Group and principal scientist at the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas. “But although we have seen a few large storms, they are no larger than we would expect during the maximum phase of the cycle.”
The most powerful eruption of the solar cycle so far was the X9.0 eruption on October 3 (while the X class indicates the strongest eruptions, the number gives more information about its strength on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 representing the strongest eruption). highest). ).
On the plus side, this is a great time to spot the Northern Lights, as increased solar activity is likely to lead to more frequent and intense auroras. NASA is also making the most of the situation. In December 2024, the Parker Solar Probe will make the closest flyby in history, and two more exciting close-ups are planned.
Space weather forecasts aren’t just for space enthusiasts. It can have real consequences. Increased solar activity may pose risks to the technology we use every day. Airlines may need to change routes to avoid areas with high radiation, and operators need to be careful to protect their satellites.
NASA’s vital space weather research and NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center’s forecasts and warnings ensure that the United States is prepared and ready for potential space weather disruptions, protecting both our technology and astronauts from increased exposure.
In summary, solar maximum affects everything from the auroras that brighten our skies to the technologies that enable communication. While the Sun’s activity brings challenges, it also brings opportunities for curiosity and learning.
Source: Port Altele
As an experienced journalist and author, Mary has been reporting on the latest news and trends for over 5 years. With a passion for uncovering the stories behind the headlines, Mary has earned a reputation as a trusted voice in the world of journalism. Her writing style is insightful, engaging and thought-provoking, as she takes a deep dive into the most pressing issues of our time.
