The graphic shows the last 17 solar cycles and their related increased sunspot activity. A solar cycle is a roughly 11-year periodic change in the Sun characterized by variations in the number and intensity of sunspots, as well as a flipping of its magnetic poles.
Images
Geomagnetism Program images.
SOLAR CYCLES AND INCREASED SUNSPOT ACTIVITY
The graphic shows the last 17 solar cycles and their related increased sunspot activity. A solar cycle is a roughly 11-year periodic change in the Sun characterized by variations in the number and intensity of sunspots, as well as a flipping of its magnetic poles.
Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) move from the surface of the Sun towards Earth through space
Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) move from the surface of the Sun towards Earth through spaceCoronal mass ejections (CMEs) move from the surface of the Sun towards Earth through space. Top: CME is generated as an outflow of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun, moving through space to Earth over a matter of hours. Bottom: The magnetic fields of the CME and outflowing solar wind interact with Earth’s magnetic field, which shields it from greater effect.
Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) move from the surface of the Sun towards Earth through space
Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) move from the surface of the Sun towards Earth through spaceCoronal mass ejections (CMEs) move from the surface of the Sun towards Earth through space. Top: CME is generated as an outflow of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun, moving through space to Earth over a matter of hours. Bottom: The magnetic fields of the CME and outflowing solar wind interact with Earth’s magnetic field, which shields it from greater effect.
Shumagin Geomagnetic Observatory
Front gates at Shumagin Geomagnetic Observatory during installation, before landscaping to eliminate standing water.
Front gates at Shumagin Geomagnetic Observatory during installation, before landscaping to eliminate standing water.
Geomagnetism Fredericksburg
More signs for Fredericksburg Magnetic Observatory.
More signs for Fredericksburg Magnetic Observatory.
Geomagnetism Fredericksburg
Brick signs for Fredericksburg Magnetic Observatory and National Ocean Service.
Brick signs for Fredericksburg Magnetic Observatory and National Ocean Service.
Aurora Borealis
Northern lights in and around Fairbanks, Alaska. Copyright: Photo taken by Miles B Tihansky
Northern lights in and around Fairbanks, Alaska. Copyright: Photo taken by Miles B Tihansky
Northern Lights
Northern Lights over the World Heritage site. The aurora is more active when there are solar flares on the sun.
Northern Lights over the World Heritage site. The aurora is more active when there are solar flares on the sun.
Guam Geomagnetic Observatory
Guam geomagnetic observatory.
Guam geomagnetic observatory.
Geomagnetism Shumagin
Shumagin Magnetic Observatory sign.
Shumagin Magnetic Observatory sign.
Boulder Magnetic Observatory
Azimuth mark, Absolutes building and Coil building at Boulder magnetic observatory.
Azimuth mark, Absolutes building and Coil building at Boulder magnetic observatory.
Boulder Magnetic Observatory
The Boulder magnetic observatory. Variations and Proton Sensor buildings at the lower right.
The Boulder magnetic observatory. Variations and Proton Sensor buildings at the lower right.
Geomagnetism Sitka
Electronics building at Sitka magnetic observatory Alaska.
Electronics building at Sitka magnetic observatory Alaska.
Tucson Geomagnetic Observatory
Tucson geomagnetic observatory Arizona.
Tucson geomagnetic observatory Arizona.
Boulder Magnetic Observatory
Zeiss Jena 010B Theodolite for making absolute measurements at Boulder magnetic observatory.
Zeiss Jena 010B Theodolite for making absolute measurements at Boulder magnetic observatory.
Guam Geomagnetic Observatory
Variations building at Guam geomagnetic observatory.
Variations building at Guam geomagnetic observatory.