Archiv: solar cycle 26


05.07.2026 - 10:42 [ Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society ]

Subsurface structural changes associated with successive 11-yr solar activity cycles have been progressively more confined near the surface: new helioseismic results on Cycles 22–25 from BiSON

(May 28, 2026)

We use Sun-as-a-star helioseismology data, collected by the Birmingham Solar-Oscillations Network, to examine the relationship between the solar-cycle-induced frequency shifts of whole-Sun, low-angular degree solar p modes and well-known proxies of global solar activity. Changes in behaviour between the low-frequency modes and proxies, which in a previous study we found had occurred on the declining phase of Cycle 23, appear to have persisted into Cycle 25. More striking is a significant change in the relationship for higher-frequency modes, which the new Cycle 25 data now reveal. The observed mean frequency shifts in Cycle 25 are much stronger than one would expect for these modes based on the relationship between the frequencies and proxies seen in previous cycles, in particular Cycle 22. In sum, Cycle 25 is as strong as Cycles 22 and 23 when observed in this higher-frequency seismic band, in marked contrast to the relative sizes of the cycles seen in the global activity proxies, where Cycle 25 is noticeably weaker. (…)

The last few solar cycles have seen significant changes in overall levels of activity and differences in the evolution of magnetic fields at different solar latitudes (e.g. see D. H. Hathaway 2015; A. Norton et al. 2023). Cycle 24 was significantly weaker in well-known proxies of global solar activity than previous cycles, and marked a departure from the preceding so-called modern maximum epoch (I. G. Usoskin 2017). While the current Cycle 25 has peaked at higher activity, it did not return to pre-Cycle-24 levels.

05.07.2026 - 10:31 [ University of Birmingham ]

Listening to the Sun reveals previously hidden changes to solar cycle

(May 28, 2026)

Professor Sarbani Basu, from Yale University, said, “We discovered that the relationship between internal solar oscillations and surface activity has evolved over the past few cycles. This trend cannot be explained simply by weaker magnetic fields. Instead, it indicates a structural reorganisation of how the Sun’s magnetic activity is stored beneath the surface.”

Ongoing collection and analysis of BiSON solar data over what remains of Cycle 25 and into the upcoming Cycle 26 will be crucial in determining whether the changes discovered in the Sun’s activity point to a sustained, systematic change in solar magnetic behaviour.

13.02.2026 - 06:36 [ Royal Astronomical Society - ras.ac.uk ]

Early riser! The Sun is already starting its next solar cycle

(July 19, 2024)

The current solar cycle, named Cycle 25 because it is the 25th since 1755 when extensive recording of solar sunspot activity began, started in 2019.

It is not expected to end for another six years but the first signs that the next solar cycle is beginning have been spotted by researchers from the University of Birmingham and presented at the Royal Astronomical Society‘s National Astronomy Meeting in Hull.

13.11.2025 - 20:18 [ Weather.com ]

Watch: Auroras Light Up Skies Worldwide

November 13, 2025

People across the United States weren’t the only ones treated to a spectacular celestial show. This week’s intense geomagnetic storm illuminated the night sky around the world. Check out some of the most stunning displays from Europe to Mongolia to Australia.

13.11.2025 - 19:54 [ Royal Astronomical Society - ras.ac.uk ]

Early riser! The Sun is already starting its next solar cycle

(July 19, 2024)

The current solar cycle, named Cycle 25 because it is the 25th since 1755 when extensive recording of solar sunspot activity began, started in 2019.

It is not expected to end for another six years but the first signs that the next solar cycle is beginning have been spotted by researchers from the University of Birmingham and presented at the Royal Astronomical Society‘s National Astronomy Meeting in Hull.

13.11.2025 - 19:49 [ EarthSky.org ]

The next solar cycle – Solar Cycle 26 – is already beginning

(July 23, 2024)

Solar max affects activity on the sun’s surface. Sunspots, flares and coronal mass ejections are all more rampant at solar maximum. This leads to a surge in electromagnetic energy hurtling toward Earth, making auroras visible more often and at lower altitudes.

The current solar cycle – Cycle 25 – started in 2019. It has the name Cycle 25 because it’s the 25th since 1755, when extensive recording of solar sunspot activity began.

It is not expected to end for another six years, but researchers have spotted the first signs that the next solar cycle is beginning. Researchers from the University of Birmingham presented their findings at the Royal Astronomical Society’s National Astronomy Meeting in Hull on July 18, 2024.