THE SUN, our star that is usually synonymous with constancy, has recently been showing surprising behavior that has intrigued the scientific community. Although astronomers predicted back in 2008 that it was entering a phase of relative quiescence, it seems that the Sun has other plans, writes Futurism .
A new study by NASA scientists, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, has found that the Sun has defied expectations and become significantly more active, recording an increase in the number of sunspots and solar flares.
“All signs pointed to the Sun entering an extended phase of low activity,” said study lead author and NASA physicist Jamie Jasinski. “So it was a surprise to see that trend reversed. The sun is slowly waking up.”
An unexpected turn of events
Scientists have noticed since the 1980s that activity on the Sun’s surface is gradually calming down, a trend that culminated in 2008, when the “lowest solar activity ever” was recorded. Based on this, it was predicted that the quiescence would continue.
But like a campfire suddenly coming to life, the Sun abruptly changed direction. Over the next few years, “various plasma and magnetic field parameters” spiked, and the number of sunspots exceeded all predictions.
Activity cycles and long-term puzzles
It has long been known that the Sun undergoes periodic cycles of activity every 11 years. During this period, known as the solar cycle, activity increases to a “solar maximum”, after which it decreases to a “solar minimum”.
This 11-year period is part of a longer, 22-year cycle known as the Hale cycle, during which the Sun’s magnetic poles switch places.
But the Sun also goes through much longer periods of quiescence, such as those recorded between 1645 and 1715 and from 1790 to 1830, when sunspots almost completely disappeared. Given the long lull since the 1980s, scientists expected a similar scenario, but instead we are witnessing a resurgence of activity.
“We don’t really know why the Sun went through a 40-year minimum starting in 1790,” Jasinski said. “Long-term trends are much less predictable and are something we still don’t fully understand.”
Why is this important for Earth?
Increased solar activity directly affects our planet. It can interfere with radio communications, strain electrical grids, and disrupt navigation systems.
At a time of renewed space race between the United States and China, monitoring solar activity is crucial to the safety of space travel. Unexpected solar conditions can damage spacecraft and endanger the health of astronauts.
Beyond practical reasons, there is also that fundamental human curiosity. The sun is the source of life on our planet and prevents the Earth from becoming a frozen wasteland. Therefore, each of its puzzles represents a question of existential importance.
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