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Solar storms, flares, and rising sunspots: Why was the Sun so explosive in 2023? Know reason and what next

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Photo Credit: Pixabay

The year 2023 was filled with solar storms, solar flares, and a plethora of sunspots. Scientists believe it will continue well into 2024 as well.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

After a very active period of unleashing solar storms, solar flares and sunspots recently, the Sun is subdued right now. However,  it will pick up the pace soon and Earth can certainly expect to be hit on a regular basis.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Earth has seen at least 7 X-class solar flare eruptions and multiple solar storm events in 2023.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Why is it happening at this fast rate? It is happening because the Sun is nearing the peak of its solar cycle, a phase known as the solar maximum.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

The solar cycle is an 11-year period where the Sun changes its magnetic activity, sunspot count, and overall solar activity. Currently, the Sun is in its 25th solar cycle.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Each solar cycle consists of a peak and a trough, known as solar maximum and solar minimum.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

During the solar maximum phase, the activity of the Sun dramatically increases and this is the period when solar storms and solar flares are seen in their most powerful avatars.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

If Earth is hit with a G5-class solar storm, sparked by our Sun, it can damage satellites and disrupt wireless communications such as internet services, mobile phones, and GPS.