Solar Cycle: Current State & Update

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the current state of the solar cycle, specifically focusing on solar cycle 24. Participants explore its characteristics, particularly in relation to sunspot activity and its implications for solar radiation affecting climate. The conversation includes personal assessments and comparisons to previous cycles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express that the current solar cycle is not performing as well as expected, indicating a poor solar maximum.
  • One participant claims that solar cycle 24 is weak in terms of sunspots, which are believed to influence UV and X-ray emissions that affect climate.
  • Another participant notes that there have been significantly lower solar flux readings and fewer X-class flares compared to the last two or three cycles.
  • There is a request for clarification on what other respects the solar cycle may not be considered weaker in.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that solar cycle 24 is weak in terms of sunspot activity, but there are differing opinions on its overall impact and characteristics. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the broader implications of the cycle's performance.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the importance of sunspots and their effects on climate are present, but these are not universally accepted or elaborated upon. The discussion does not resolve the implications of lower solar activity.

!Jon Snow!
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What is current state of the solar cycle?
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
not as good as hoped ;)

seriously ... do some googling ... there's 100's of links to look at

Dave
 
I already figured it out!

:rolleyes:
 
That's good :)

it's been a very poor solar max aye

Dave
 
I regard the solar cycle 24 is weak in terms of sunspots only. It is these that give us the extra UV and X-rays which affect climate. Of course, it may not be weaker in some other less important respects.
 
!Jon Snow! said:
I regard the solar cycle 24 is weak in terms of sunspots only. It is these that give us the extra UV and X-rays which affect climate. Of course, it may not be weaker in some other less important respects.

There's been substantially lower solar flux readings and flares particularly X class ones compared to the last 2 or 3 cycles

what other respects were you thinking it hadn't been weaker in ?

cheers
Dave
 
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