Sun's intense cycle sparks stunning auroras and warnings
The Sun has entered a period of maximum activity in its 11-year cycle, which means changes in space weather are expected. This provides scientists with a valuable opportunity to study the star more closely and to observe auroras. However, we must also be mindful of the consequences.
21 October 2024 09:16
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the International Solar Cycle Prediction Panel have announced that the Sun is in the maximum activity phase of its 11-year cycle. This cycle is linked to changes in the Sun's magnetic field, with the star's poles regularly switching places.
Scientists study the cycle's progress by observing dark spots on the Sun associated with magnetic field activity. As Jamie Favors, director of NASA’s Space Weather Program, explains, sunspots increase during the solar maximum, leading to greater 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," emphasizing Favors.
He explains that space weather is crucial for astronauts, satellites, navigation systems, and power grids and is also responsible for strong auroras. In 1989, a phenomenon known as the "Quebec Blackout" occurred when a strong electromagnetic storm caused a 12-hour power outage in Quebec. The effects were felt globally, disrupting airports and subway systems. Solar storms can also interfere with radio and GPS signals, affecting many economic sectors.
Strong solar storms
NASA specialists note that in May this year, the Sun ejected powerful streams of charged particles toward Earth. This resulted in the most intense geomagnetic storm in two decades and possibly some of the strongest auroras in 500 years.
Astronomers have been tracking solar cycles for hundreds of years, with sunspots first observed 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 more prolonged peaks.
Although the Sun is currently in its most active period, we cannot be certain when its peak will occur. Determining this will require months or even years of observation, as the peak can only be confirmed after a prolonged decline in solar activity.
The current maximum period is expected to last about another year. So far, the largest solar storm linked to it occurred on October 9. There was much discussion about opportunities to observe auroras then. Specialists anticipate further storms that will result in 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 get significantly closer to the Sun, can aid in this research.
