Faster ramp up for Solar Max

The solar maximum is approaching faster and will likely be stronger, says a new government forecast.

Using new computer models, solar weather researchers at the U.S. Space Weather Prediction Center have updated the peak of the ongoing solar cycle.

They now predict the maximum will occur between January and October 2024, with more sunspots possible than previous thought. A 2019 forecast called for it to be peaking in July 2025.

The solar maximum occurs when the sunspot activity hits its maximum during the 11-year solar cycle. The sunspot activity can produce solar storms that send energized particles out into space. These high energy pulses slam into the Earth magnetosphere, producing auroras.

Other dangers from solar storms include increased radiation exposure for astronauts and pilots and flight attendants flying in high altitude planes, increased drag on low-orbiting satellites, degraded GPS, and electric grid and radio interruptions.

The lead-up to the maximum has already provided a spectacular show recently. In late September, a solar storm produced auroras across Europe and into the northern Plains of the U.S.

Here are more details about how to observe auroras here: