The sun is super active right now. Here’s how it can affect electronics on Earth
PBS NewsHour・2 minutes read
The sun is currently experiencing an active period, with experts warning of disruptions to communications and increased northern lights. Sunspots and magnetic field reversals contribute to solar flares that can affect technologies on Earth, with historical events like the Carrington Event demonstrating the potential impact of solar activity.
Insights
- The sun is currently experiencing heightened activity, impacting communication technologies and creating more frequent northern lights due to its 11-year cycle of magnetic field reversal and sunspot emergence.
- Past events like the Carrington Event in 1859 demonstrate the significant disruptions solar flares can cause to Earth's technology and the potential for stunning auroras in unexpected locations, emphasizing the need for preparedness and monitoring of solar activity.
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Recent questions
What is the current state of the sun's activity?
Active
How long is the sunspot cycle?
11 years
What historical event demonstrated the impact of solar flares?
Carrington Event
What are the effects of solar flares on Earth?
Disruptions to technology
What is the peak of the sun's activity cycle called?
Solar maximum
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Summary
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Solar Maximum: Active Sun Cycle Disrupts Technology
- The sun is currently in its most active period in two decades, with experts predicting disruptions to radio and satellite communications, as well as increased occurrences of northern lights.
- The sun undergoes an 11-year cycle of magnetic field reversal, with sunspots emerging during this process that can lead to eruptions and flares affecting technologies on Earth.
- Solar maximum is the peak of this cycle, characterized by high sunspot activity and eruptions that can impact various technologies and produce beautiful auroras.
- Sunspot cycles vary in intensity, with the biggest recorded peak occurring in 1953, and the cycles typically lasting around 11 years but sometimes varying from 9 to 14 years.
- Historical events like the Carrington Event in 1859 highlight the potential impact of solar flares on Earth, causing disruptions to technology and even leading to visible auroras in unexpected regions.
