The solar maximum of the 25th cycle is already behind us. This was reported by the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.
The peak of solar activity was observed from August to November 2024. Then the 13-month smoothed value reached 156.7 sunspots. This means that the intensity of solar storms caused by flares and coronal mass ejections should gradually decrease, although their impact on Earth will continue for about a year.
Despite the fact that the peak of activity has passed, geomagnetic storms and auroras will not disappear immediately. In the coming year, the Sun will continue to be active, but its level will decrease.
Solar activity is determined by sunspots. In the 25th cycle, their number turned out to be higher than expected. In August 2024, 216 spots were recorded, which was the maximum for the cycle. However, from September 2024 to March 2025, their number dropped to 136–166. Initially, NOAA predicted a peak in July 2025 with 101.8–125.2 spots, but the maximum came earlier.
About a year of observations will be required for the final determination of the peak, since the true maximum is determined by the 13-month smoothed curve, and not by individual monthly values.
Earlier www1.ru reported that a magnetic storm may again fall on Earth.
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