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Source- This post on New Method Discovered to Predict Solar Cycle Amplitude has been created based on the article “Indian Institute of Astrophysics astronomers find new method to predict amplitude of upcoming solar cycle” published in “The Hindu” on 15 August 2024.
Why in News?
Astronomers at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have developed a new method to predict the strength (amplitude) of upcoming solar cycles. This discovery was made using over 100 years of solar data from the IIA’s Kodaikanal Solar Observatory. It would help in predicting space weather.
About the Discovery
Solar images were taken at a specific wavelength (393.3 nm) using the telescope at the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory. The images were used for co-relating super granular cells with solar cycle.
Supergranular Cells are structures on the sun’s surface. It has been found that the width of super granular cells on the sun’s surface during the solar cycle’s minimum phase correlates with the number of sunspots in the next maximum phase. This correlation offers a simple and effective way to predict future solar activity.
Significance of the Discovery
Predicting the strength of solar cycles is crucial for preparing for space weather.This method can significantly improve space weather forecasting.
Importance of Space Weather
1. About Space Weather: Space weather involves the changing conditions in the solar system, especially those influenced by the sun, such as solar wind and solar flares.
2. Impact on Earth: These solar events can affect Earth’s magnetosphere, leading to geomagnetic storms that can disrupt communications, power grids, and satellite operations, and even pose risks to astronauts.
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology
