Solarzyklus

Solarzyklus, also known as the solar cycle or sunspot cycle, is a periodic variation in the Sun's activity that is characterized by changes in the number of sunspots and solar flares. It is a roughly 11-year cycle, although the duration can vary from 9 to 14 years. The solar cycle is driven by the Sun's magnetic field, which undergoes a process of reversal every 11 years.

During the solar cycle, the Sun's activity increases from a minimum to a maximum, and then decreases back to a minimum. The solar minimum is a period of low solar activity, with few sunspots and solar flares. The solar maximum is a period of high solar activity, with a large number of sunspots and solar flares.

The solar cycle has significant impacts on Earth's climate and space weather. During the solar maximum, the increased solar activity can lead to more frequent and intense solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which can disrupt satellite communications and power grids on Earth. The solar cycle also affects the Earth's atmosphere, with the increased solar activity leading to changes in the ionosphere and thermosphere.

The solar cycle is also of interest to scientists studying the Sun's magnetic field and the processes that drive solar activity. The solar cycle has been studied for centuries, with the first recorded observations of sunspots dating back to the 17th century. Today, scientists use a variety of instruments and techniques to study the solar cycle, including ground-based telescopes, space-based observatories, and computer models.