Summary
Cycle 25 has been one of the strongest in recent memory. But there are already signs that Cycle 26 could be just under the surface. The pattern for numbering cycles was started in 1852.
As a large ball of hydrogen and helium gas, the Sun does not rotate as a single solid mass. Instead, it rotates faster at the equator (25 days) versus near the poles (34 days) Scientists can probe the solar interior via a method known as solar helioseismology.
Solar Cycle 25 has thus far been extremely active, far beyond expectations. This follows the historic lull that preceded it between Cycles 24 and 25. It also hints at what might be in store for the start of Solar Cycle 26.
The May 10th solar storm was thus far the most impressive one of the cycle. This storm sent aurora to latitudes far south as Spain and Mexico, areas where aurorae are rarely seen.
This research provides a great model to test the next solar cycle. We’re also unsure if this has always been the case throughout its 4.6-billion year life span.
