Scientists at NASA say we're currently in a 'Grand Solar Minimum.' The last occurrence was between 1650 and 1715, during what's known as the Little Ice Age. But this solar minimum won't spark another ice age, they say. That's likely due to climate change.
At the center of our solar system, the sun is a constant force keeping planets in orbit, providing Earth with just the right amount of light and warmth for life and even governing our daily schedules. While we're used to the sun rising and setting each day, the sun itself is incredibly dynamic.
And just like us, it goes through phases and changes. Over time, those changes in our star have become more predictable. Currently, it's going through a less active phase, called a solar minimum. The sun experiences regular 11-year intervals including energetic peaks of activity, followed by low points.During the peak, the sun showcases more sunspots and solar flares. In a solar minimum, the sun is much quieter, meaning less sunspots and energy.
— NASA Sun & Space May 18, 2020 This solar minimum ends solar cycle 24. Early predictions estimated the peak of solar cycle 25 will occur in July 2025, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.The solar cycle forecast is based on a NOAA and NASA co-chaired international panel. They agree that solar cycle 25 will be similar to cycle 24.Studying the sunIn August 2018, NASA launched the Parker Solar Probe to draw closer to the sun than any satellite before.
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