Solar Maximum Will Arrive Sooner and Last Longer Than Previously Expected, Say Scientists

Solar Maximum Will Arrive Sooner and Last Longer Than Previously Expected, Say Scientists

The sun is on track to reach the peak of its current activity cycle a year earlier than expected, and it could last longer than usual, according to a new prediction from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC).

Solar maximum is the most active period in the sun's 11-year cycle, during which time it produces more sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These events can have a significant impact on Earth, disrupting power grids, communications systems, and satellites.

The SWPC's new prediction puts solar maximum between January and October 2024. This is a significant change from the previous prediction, which placed solar maximum in July 2025.

The SWPC's revised prediction is based on a number of factors, including the number of sunspots that have been observed in recent months. Sunspots are dark areas on the sun's surface that are caused by strong magnetic fields. The number of sunspots typically increases as the sun approaches solar maximum.

The SWPC is also taking into account the strength of the sun's magnetic field. The solar magnetic field drives solar activity, so a stronger magnetic field is associated with more solar activity.

Scientists are not sure why solar maximum is arriving sooner and is expected to last longer than usual. One possibility is that the sun's current activity cycle is simply more active than the previous cycle. Another possibility is that the sun's magnetic field is behaving in a way that is not fully understood.

Whatever the reason, the SWPC's new prediction is a reminder that solar activity is a dynamic and unpredictable process. It is important to be prepared for the potential impacts of solar storms, especially during solar maximum.

Here are some of the potential impacts of solar storms:

• Power grid outages
• Disruptions to communications systems, including GPS and radio
• Damage to satellites
• Auroras at lower latitudes than usual
• Increased radiation levels for astronauts and aircraft passengers

The SWPC provides real-time monitoring and forecasting of space weather conditions. You can learn more about the SWPC's work and how to prepare for solar storms at their website: https://www.spaceweather.gov/