Did you know that the Sun, the closest star to Earth, regularly goes through cycles of activity? These cycles have a direct impact on our planet, but few stop to think about it. The phenomenon known as solar maximum It is an especially intense stage within these solar cycles, and although it may sound like a distant concept, in reality its effects can be felt on Earth in various ways.
In this article we will explore in greater detail what solar maximum is, when the next one will occur and how it can influence our daily lives. Get ready to learn about an astronomical phenomenon of great relevance both for our daily lives and for space missions.
What is solar maximum?
Solar maximum is a phase within the 11 year cycle that the Sun experiences, a cycle in which solar activity increases and decreases periodically. During solar maximum, the star's activity reaches its peak, which translates into a large amount of sunspots on its surface. These spots are regions where the Sun's magnetic field is especially strong, and are associated with events such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
One of the most interesting aspects of solar maximum is that it involves a complete reversal of the magnetic poles of the Sun. That is, the north pole becomes the south pole and vice versa. This reversal occurs approximately every 11 years, although its frequency may vary slightly in each cycle.
The sunspots that appear on the Sun during this phase are areas where the plasma is colder than on the rest of the solar surface, and it is from there that the most intense solar flares are generated.
When will the next solar maximum be?
The question that many ask is: When will the next solar maximum occur? According to the most recent predictions, solar cycle 25 is expected to peak between late 2023 and early 2024This new forecast adjusts the original date, which was initially expected to occur in 2025.
Scientists have observed a significant increase in the number of sunspots since August 2023, indicating that the Sun's activity is peaking earlier than expected. Some recent events, such as the merger of two coronal mass ejections in August 2023 or the X-class flares captured by NASA, suggest that we are entering full solar maximum.
In fact, solar flare activity in recent months has been so intense that forecasts indicate this cycle could be more violent than initially expected. observation of the next solar eclipse and the phases of maximum solar activity will be closely related, so it is important to pay attention to the predictions.
Impact of solar maximum on Earth
The effects of solar maximum can be both spectacular and problematic for the technology we rely on on the planet. During these periods, geomagnetic storms, caused by solar flares and coronal mass ejections, can disrupt communications by radio, interfere with GPS, and even affect power grids.
A clear example of this occurred in 1989, when a powerful solar storm caused a massive blackout in Quebec, leaving millions of people without electricity for several hours. In addition, solar storms can degrade satellite performance and cause problems for space missions.
On a more positive note, solar maximum can also generate impressive natural spectacles, such as Aurora borealis and southern lights, which are seen with greater intensity and further from the poles during these phases. These lights, caused by solar particles interacting with the Earth's atmosphere, may even be visible in places where they normally do not occur, as happened in May 2024 in some parts of Spain. To better understand how these solar flares affect our planet, consult the impact of solar minimum on Earth It can be very helpful.
Effects on telecommunications and energy
Solar maximum can have a major impact on telecommunications. The most intense solar storms can generate radio communications blackouts, especially in the high frequency frequencies used in aviation, maritime and emergency communications.
In addition, solar particles reaching the Earth can affect the functioning of the satellites, especially those intended for GPS navigation. In extreme cases, they can even cause some satellites to lose their orbit. A significant episode occurred in 2022, when a solar storm hit a batch of Starlink satellites, causing the loss of 38 of them.
The electrical networks, on the other hand, can be overloaded by geomagnetically induced currents, a phenomenon that occurs when solar storms interact with the Earth's magnetic field. These types of events have the potential to cause blackouts, as happened in Quebec in 1989. To better understand this phenomenon, you can consult What would happen if a solar storm hit the Earth?.
How is solar maximum predicted?
Predicting solar maximum is not an exact science, as the Sun's behavior is complex. However, the solar physicists They use historical sunspot data and simulations of solar magnetic field activity to make estimates of when and how the maximum will occur.
Space meteorologists, such as those in the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) In the United States, they play a fundamental role in monitoring solar activity. Thanks to them, alerts can be issued and the negative effects of solar storms on Earth's technological infrastructure can be mitigated. For a deeper understanding of how solar activity is predicted, you can consult How did the solar system form, which helps to better understand the origin and behavior of the Sun.
Furthermore, during solar maximum, the work of space weather specialists is also intensified, as they must anticipate and manage possible effects on Earth, such as degradation of GPS services or blackouts in electrical networks. Predicting these events is crucial to reducing their impact.
For greater precision, we can also consult How the energy output of solar panels varies in different solar cycles, which helps us understand the impact of solar activity phases on renewable energy. The activity of the 2024 solar cycle promises to be of particular interest in this regard.
In short, we are facing a solar cycle that promises to be more intense than initially expected and ahead of forecasts. Technology and prediction systems are our best allies to mitigate any risk, but, without a doubt, what we will most desire is to be able to enjoy the spectacular natural phenomena that accompany the solar maximum—such as the auroras—which at their peak can be even more impressive in the formation process of the aurora borealis.
