Solar Minima Explained

What is a Solar Minimum?

Solar minimum is the period of least solar activity in the Sun's 11-year solar cycle. During this phase, there are:

• Fewer sunspots on the Sun's surface.
• Reduced solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs).
• A weaker magnetic field on the Sun.

Characteristics of Solar Minima

Key features of a solar minimum include:

• Sunspot Reduction: The number of sunspots decreases, sometimes leading to days or weeks with no spots at all.
• Decreased Solar Radiation: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun decreases during this time, impacting Earth's atmosphere.