Solar maximum
Solar maximum or solar max is the period of greatest solar activity in the solar cycle of the sun. During solar maximum, sunspots appear.[1]
Solar maximum is contrasted with solar minimum. Solar maximum is the period when the sun's magnetic field lines are the most distorted due to the magnetic field on the solar equator rotating at a slightly faster pace than at the solar poles. The solar cycle takes an average of about 11 years to go from one solar maximum to the next with an observed variation in duration of 9 to 14 years for any given solar cycle.
Historic maxima
The last solar maximum was in 2001. The next solar maximum is predicted to occur in early 2013[2]. This prediction has frequently changed and will continue to change a the current solar cycle progresses.
Film
There is an IMAX documentary about solar maximum called Solarmax.
References
- ^ http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=37575
- ^ "Solar Cycle Process and Prediction", NOAA/Space Weather Center, 9 May 2009, Accessed 22 Mar. 2010
See also
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