Next sunspot cycle predicted to be intense
Posted: Tue, Mar 7, 2006, 1:09 PM ET (1809 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
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Saturday, July 4
Coolest spacecraft ever in orbit around L2
ESA — 4:24 am ET (0824 GMT) Moonwalker Aldrin says we should colonise Mars
The Herald — 4:23 am ET (0823 GMT) Interest in space memorabilia takes a leap
Financial Times — 4:22 am ET (0822 GMT) Evidence mounts that Mars was once habitable
Arizona Republic — 4:17 am ET (0817 GMT) First Moon images sent back by Nasa orbiter show incredible details just 10ft across
The Daily Mail — 4:17 am ET (0817 GMT) |