Sun has officially reached its Solar Maximum! Here’s what happens next
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Sun Enters Solar Maximum Phase
NASA has confirmed that the Sun has reached its “solar maximum period,” a phase in its 11-year cycle where solar activity, including sunspots and solar flares, increases significantly.
Increased Sunspots and Solar Activity
During this period, the Sun exhibits more sunspots—cooler, darker areas on its surface that are associated with solar eruptions and heightened solar activity, leading to more solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs).
Impact on Earth’s Magnetic Field
Solar maximum causes changes in the Sun’s magnetic activity, including a flip of its magnetic poles. This surge in solar activity sends charged particles towards Earth, interacting with the planet’s magnetic field and triggering geomagnetic storms.
Effects on Technology and Communication
These solar storms can disrupt satellite communications, affect GPS signals, and even interfere with power grids on Earth, posing potential risks to daily life and global technology systems.
Auroras and Visual Phenomena
While solar maximum may cause challenges for technology, it also leads to an increase in auroras—dazzling light displays near the polar regions—caused by charged particles colliding with Earth’s atmosphere.
Long-Term Study of Solar Activity
According to NASA’s Jamie Favors, the solar maximum period offers scientists a chance to learn more about the Sun and its behaviour, although it comes with potential consequences for Earth.
Cycle Peaks Yet to Be Identified
While the Sun has officially entered the solar maximum phase, the exact timing of the peak remains uncertain. It could take months or even years to pinpoint when solar activity will reach its highest point.
Solar Cycle 25 Slightly Exceeds Expectations
Lisa Upton, co-chair of the Solar Cycle Prediction Panel, noted that sunspot activity during Solar Cycle 25 has been slightly higher than anticipated, though it remains within expected levels for the solar maximum phase.