The sun is currently at its maximum, and signs of the start of the next cycle have already been detected.

The sun is at its current maximum orbital period. Astronomers have already detected the first signs that the next cycle is about to begin.Currently, our star is very active and will continue to be until the middle of next year. The cycles last on average 11 years as the Sun changes its activity from minimum to maximum.

At most, about 1 W/m reaches the ground surface.² Watts of energy more than the minimum. We are now in cycle 25. We have been counting them since 1755, when the number of spots on the sun began to be regularly recorded.

Scientists from the University of Birmingham reported at the National Astronomy Meeting, organised by the Royal Astronomical Society, that they have recorded the first sound waves coming from the interior of the Sun, indicating the beginning of another cycle. Officially, this cycle should begin around 2030.

Astronomers use sound waves from inside the Sun to study its rotation. In this way, they look at changes in the speed of rotation of some parts of the star. Usually, before the next rotation begins, there are areas where this movement accelerates. We may be seeing the first signs of Cycle 26, which will begin around 2030.The study’s lead author, Dr. Rachel Howe, says:

The changes in question have been studied since 1995 by the Global Oscillation Network, which includes telescopes in Australia, India, Chile, California, Hawaii and the Canary Islands. All supported by the Solar Dynamics Observatory satellite. So far, data have been collected from cycles 23, 24 and 25, allowing comparisons of the phenomena associated with these cycles. Dr. Howe has specialized in studying changes in the Sun’s rotation for 25 years.

Her team has now observed faster-moving material moving toward the solar equator. The same phenomenon was observed when cycles 24 and 25 began.

The sun is at its current maximum and signs of the start of the next cycle have already been detected.