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
|
|
Saturday, June 20
The first ‘Made in Belgium’ Commercial Satellite for the Democratic Republic of the Congo: a Landmark Contract for Spacebel
Spacebel — 11:50 am ET (1550 GMT) KP Labs and NaviGate explore onboard autonomy opportunities through navigation and edge processing technologies
press release — 11:04 am ET (1504 GMT) AAS Honors Reps. Don Bacon and Judy Chu with Award for Public Service to the Astronomical Sciences
American Astronomical Society — 11:00 am ET (1500 GMT) MDA Space buying U.S. company Blue Canyon Technologies
Canadian Press — 6:56 am ET (1056 GMT) MDA Space Buys RTX’s Satellite Unit Blue Canyon Technologies
Aviation Week — 6:56 am ET (1056 GMT) |
