In the 21st century, the solar activity index, despite forecasts to the contrary, actually reached its maximum values. Sergei Bogachev, head of the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, spoke about this, writes RBC.
As the scientist’s anonymous colleagues noted, the current level of activity of the star reflects the state of affairs according to the results of the second 11-year cycle.
“The high index shows that the current cycle, which was expected to be very weak, was actually much stronger than expected. It is not very clear why this is so,” the expert emphasized.
According to Bogachev, all models show that solar activity should now be at a minimum of around 100 years, but in reality the corresponding index turned out to be twice as high.
Against this background, the head of the laboratory concluded that in the 21st century the star may enter a new growth cycle that will last 100 years. But to be sure of this hypothesis, scientists need to observe it for at least a year.
At the same time, Anatoly Petrukovich, Director of the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, explained that the increase in the number of sunspots indicates an increase in the overall activity of the star. In the years when this index reaches its maximum values, the number of dark areas on the Sun’s surface can reach several hundred.
The Solar Activity Index has been tracked since 1749 and allows the intensity of solar cycles to be compared over many years. It is calculated from the number of points that scientists manage to record on the star’s surface each month.
Previously, residents and guests of Moscow It has been said About the possibility of seeing a lunar eclipse.
What are you thinking?
Source: Gazeta
Barbara Dickson is a seasoned writer for “Social Bites”. She keeps readers informed on the latest news and trends, providing in-depth coverage and analysis on a variety of topics.