The number of visible “sunspots” on the Sun in August was double the previous forecast and represents the highest number in the past 23 years.
According to recently published data from the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an average of 215.5 sunspots appeared simultaneously during August.
This is the highest figure since September 2001, which recorded 238.2 sunspots.
“Map” of sunspots appearing in August, compiled from images captured of the Sun throughout the month – (Photo: SDO/NASA).
Sunspots are dark areas that appear on the surface of our star, with temperatures lower than those of the surrounding regions.
They resemble “scars” on the Sun, where chaotic magnetic fields and inhibited convection occur.
This makes them a type of “cosmic gun,” occasionally firing energetic flares, and even a massive plasma ball known as a “coronal mass ejection” (CME).
While they may seem small from our perspective on Earth, these sunspots can be enormous, some being many times wider than the diameter of our planet.
When these “guns” accidentally fire in the direction of Earth, our planet experiences geomagnetic storms.
In addition to the stunning auroras in regions near the poles, geomagnetic storms can cause several issues such as disrupting radio waves, interfering with navigation systems, and even causing satellites to fall back to Earth.
Historically, extremely strong geomagnetic storms can lead to partial failures in electrical systems. However, humans have developed forecasting and response methods to mitigate many of the damages.
The occurrence of over 200 sunspots at the same time during August indicates that humanity must prepare for the upcoming continuous geomagnetic storms.
According to Live Science, scientists believe that the peak of the 11-year solar cycle is approaching rapidly.
Previously, scientists thought the peak of the solar cycle would occur in 2025, not too explosively.
However, recent powerful geomagnetic storms hitting Earth have led them to reassess their calculations. According to SWPC forecasts released earlier this year, the solar cycle peak is expected this year, in 2024.
Now, scientists believe we have entered that peak phase, with the record just set in August. However, the specific “peak” remains unclear.
The solar maximum can last for 1-2 years or slightly longer, meaning that there is still a chance of increased activity continuing over the next 12 months.
During the peak of Solar Cycle 23, over two decades ago, the average monthly number of sunspots reached 244.3 in July 2000.
In Solar Cycle 22, the record was 284.5 sunspots in June 1989.
Currently, we are in Solar Cycle 25.
