Solar Cycles: Can they be Predicted?
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The solar magnetic field, thought to be generated by the motion of plasma within the Sun, alternates on the order of 11 yr cycles and is incompletely understood. Industries rely on accurate forecasts of solar activity, but can solar cycles be predicted? Of more than 100 predictions for cycle 25, most underestimated the amplitude (peak sunspot number). Fewer predictions were made for the timing of solar maximum, but timing predictions seem to be performing better than amplitude predictions. Reasons for inaccurate prediction are suggested, and perspectives are given on how future studies might improve upon the extant literature.
Source: Research Notes of the AAS
Author: Floe Foxon
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4407695355