Solar Activity Now More Intense Than Scientists Expect

Peak solar activity was predicted in 2025, but now seems to be more active

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — The sun goes through a regular 11-year cycle of activity. Sometimes more active, sometimes quieter. Currently, we are experiencing an increasing cycle called Solar Cycle 25, in which the sun is predicted to be more active. But so far, solar activity has even exceeded those predictions.

As the American Space Agency (NASA) wrote, Solar Cycle 25 started in December 2019 and has been increasing in activity since then. The activity is scheduled to peak in a period called the solar maximum, in 2025. However, before that date, the sun now appears to be more active.

Enhancement solar activity impact on Earth in the form of space weather. Solar flares and coronal mass ejections send charged particles out of the sun and through the solar system, impacting satellites and communications systems on Earth.

Recent observations from the Solar Dynamics Observatory NASA show sun flare released by the sun on May 10, 2022. The instrument records in the extreme ultraviolet range, beyond the range of visible light. A flare is a bright spot visible at the bottom of the sun.

This type of event will become more common throughout the solar cycle. “The Solar Cycle 25 Prediction Panel, an international group of experts co-sponsored by NASA and NOAA, predicts that this will be a below-average solar cycle, like the previous one, Solar Cycle 24,” NASA wrote. Digital Trends, Ahad (31/7/2022).

“However, the sun is much more active in this cycle than expected.”

This activity affects Earth when charged particles arrive on our planet and interact with the atmosphere, creating auroras. These particles don’t just create interesting effects. These particles can also cause problems for the satellite, which can cause communication problems. Space weather is also potentially dangerous for astronauts, as happened on the International Space Station (ISS). Solar particles can also pose health problems for crew and passengers flying on planes.