The New Solar Cycle Ramps Up With an X2.2-Class Solar Flare
On April 20 the Sun unleashed a class X2.2 solar flare, the strongest seen yet in this cycle, and an eruption that illustrates the strength of solar cycle 25’s exceeding expert predictions. Although the resulting coronal mass ejection (CME) wasn’t aimed at Earth, such a solar storm could trigger a geomagnetic storm on […]
The Current Solar Cycle is Far Stronger than Forecast, and May See Record-Breaking Activity
Contrary to official predictions, solar cycle 25 is getting off to an explosive start, with solar activity proving to be much higher than the weak cycle that was officially forecast, featuring a higher than expected sunspot count, numerous coronal mass ejections and at least three X-class flares having erupted since last summer. Officially kicking off […]
‘Termination Events’ May Mark the End—and the Beginning—of Solar Cycles
A pair of rogue researchers with the University of Maryland are predicting that the upcoming solar cycle is going to be a doozy, a forecast that contradicts the commonly-accepted prediction that solar cycle 25 will be one of the quietest in over a century. After studying sunspot activity from data gathered over the past 270 years, […]
Wild Winds & Rogue Waves: Parker Solar Probe Proves How Little is Known About the Sun
NASA has released the discoveries made during the first two orbits of the Sun-skimming Parker Solar Probe—now the fastest known artificial object to orbit the Sun—revealing high-speed solar winds and powerful rogue plasma waves, revelations that point out that we have significant gaps in our understanding of how the Sun works. Launched in August 2018, […]