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solar cycle |
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solar cyclePeriod in which several important kinds of solar activity repeat, discovered in 1843 by Samuel Heinrich Schwabe (1789–1875). Lasting about 22 years on average, it includes two 11-year cycles of sunspots, whose magnetic polarities alternate between the Sun's northern and southern hemispheres, and two peaks and two declines in the phenomena (e.g., solar prominences, auroras) that vary in the same period. Attempts have been made to connect the solar cycle to various other phenomena, including possible slight variations in the diameter of the Sun, sequences of annual growth rings in trees, and even the stock market's rise and fall. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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The model predicts that the next solar cycle will begin a year later than the timing of the standard 11-year cycle would suggest. Each solar cycle is heralded by the emergence of dark regions, called sunspots, at the sun's midlatitudes. Additional support for such a scenario arises from the apparent relationship between solar cycle and precipitation/biological activity on land (Fig. |
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