Sunspots Redux

Same old thing as yesterday...

Seriously, wtf is going on with the Sun?



click to embiggen

phew.
ok, so there are some, finally, like 4

upturn into the new cycle has started, bit late and slow



click to embiggen

definitely reminiscent of the late 19th C



click to embiggen

new prediction for the cycle amplitude is low and interesting

Belgians are still the definitive authority on the subject

need to figure this magnetic cycling thing out, getting to be annoying

Tags

More like this

Fascinating times to be sure. I'm reminded of the saying that the most exciting phrase in science is not "Eureka!" but "that's strange!".

By NoAstronomer (not verified) on 28 Oct 2010 #permalink

Probably good for space telescopes (at least, those that aren't pointed at the Sun) to have a late and quiet cycle. I'd hate to dramatically increase the fraction of XMM time lost to background flaring, for instance (it's typically, what, 30%, during quiet sun).

By Craig Heinke (not verified) on 31 Oct 2010 #permalink