Solar activity drops nearly threefold
Solar activity has decreased by nearly three times over the past two years; according to current forecasts, the solar minimum may occur in 2029, reported Thursday by the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of the Institute of Space Research and the Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Consensus
- Solar activity has decreased nearly threefold over the past 24 months.
- The solar activity index dropped from 216 to 76 units.
- The decline in solar activity is faster than predicted.
- The solar minimum may occur in 2029, 1–1.5 years earlier than previously forecast.
- A rebound in solar activity is expected in the next cycle.
- The Sun is moving toward a century-long maximum, expected to be reached in the mid-21st century.
Points of divergence
- Scientists have monitored sunspot numbers since 1749 to assess solar activity. — vesti
- Experts have already observed the first magnetic storm of autumn. — vesti
- The solar activity index dropped from 216 in August 2024 to 76 in August 2026. — interfax
Coverage (3 sources)
- In the last two years, solar activity has decreased by almost three times — Вести
- Solar activity has decreased by almost three times since 2024 — Интерфакс
- In RAN forecasted decrease in solar activity earlier than expected — Москва 24