Evidence for a New Solar Season Cycle: Sun's Activity can be Amplified, Producing Mega Storms (+Video)

Sun experiences seasonal changes, new research finds

April 07, 2015

BOULDER – The Sun undergoes a type of seasonal variability, with its activity waxing and waning over the course of nearly two years, according to a new study by a team of researchers led by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). This behavior affects the peaks and valleys in the approximately 11-year solar cycle, sometimes amplifying and sometimes weakening the solar storms that can buffet Earth’s atmosphere.

A previously unknown seasonal change on the sun is occurring every two years, according to a new study.

Researchers have found that twisted bands of magnetic fuel reach the surface of the sun every two years – in addition to its existing 11-year cycle.

And when the seasons combine, the activity of the sun can be amplified, producing mega storms that are even more dangerous to Earth than others.

“What we’re looking at here is a massive driver of solar storms,” said Scott McIntosh, lead author of the new study and director of NCAR’s High Altitude Observatory. “By better understanding how these activity bands form in the Sun and cause seasonal instabilities, there’s the potential to greatly improve forecasts of space weather events.”

Read more here: http://phys.org/news/2015-04-sun-seasonal.html

Provided by National Center for Atmospheric Research
https://www2.ucar.edu/atmosnews/news/15037/sun-experiences-seasonal-changes-new-research-finds

Image credit: @Kelvinsong