zonneminimum

Zonneminimum, also known as solar minimum, is a period of low solar activity during the 11-year solar cycle. It is characterized by a decrease in the number of sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections. The solar cycle is driven by the Sun's magnetic field, which flips every 11 years, with the solar minimum occurring in the middle of this cycle. During a zonneminimum, the Sun's magnetic field is weaker, and its activity is reduced. This can have various effects on Earth, including a decrease in the aurora borealis and australis, and a reduction in the amount of solar radiation reaching Earth. However, it is important to note that the zonneminimum does not have a significant impact on Earth's climate. The Sun's energy output varies by only about 0.1% over the course of the solar cycle, which is not enough to cause significant climate change. The most recent zonneminimum occurred in 2019-2020.