Computer model explains low solar activity
Posted: Thu, Mar 3, 2011, 7:40 AM ET (1240 GMT)
Scientists said a new computer model can explain why the Sun had a low level of activity in recent years. In a paper published in the journal Nature, American and Indian scientists explained solar activity through computer models of "plasma rivers" that flow from the Sun's equator to its polar regions. These plasma rivers change speeds, and a faster speed during the first half of the Sun's 11-year cycle followed by a slowdown can explain low level of solar activity during the recent solar minimum. The Sun is now headed to another peak in activity over the next few years, although predictions call for a lower level of activity than in the previous few cycles.
Scientists said a new computer model can explain why the Sun had a low level of activity in recent years. In a paper published in the journal Nature, American and Indian scientists explained solar activity through computer models of "plasma rivers" that flow from the Sun's equator to its polar regions. These plasma rivers change speeds, and a faster speed during the first half of the Sun's 11-year cycle followed by a slowdown can explain low level of solar activity during the recent solar minimum. The Sun is now headed to another peak in activity over the next few years, although predictions call for a lower level of activity than in the previous few cycles.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Sunday, February 8
One image tracks the same cosmic object across space and time. It's all down to a strange quirk of physics
BBC — 9:22 am ET (1422 GMT) Russian forces lose key battlefield advantage after Starlink terminals abruptly shut down
Fox Business — 9:21 am ET (1421 GMT) Starlink Blackouts Disrupt Russian Frontline Operations, Ukraine Says
United24 Media — 9:20 am ET (1420 GMT) Australian defence force expands space workforce as new specialist training centre unveiled
The Guardian — 9:18 am ET (1418 GMT) Elon Musk’s starry mega-merger
The Week — 9:14 am ET (1414 GMT) |
