A new study suggests that the surge in solar activity seen in the current solar cycle may be just the beginning of a much larger phenomenon. It turns out that this surge may be linked to the centennial Gleisberg cycle, which is slowly gaining momentum. If the scientists' conclusions are confirmed, humanity should expect even more solar flares in the coming decades.
During the solar cycle, which lasts about 11 years, the Sun's activity fluctuates between a minimum and a maximum, which is manifested in sharp changes in the number of sunspots and flares. However, in addition to this, there is a lesser-known 100-year Gleisberg cycle, which has also been shown to affect solar activity. This means that the current solar cycle may be just part of a larger picture.
According to research, the proton flux in the Earth's inner radiation belt, which determines the level of solar activity, has recently begun to decrease. This may indicate that the minimum of the Gleisberg cycle has already been passed and the Sun is entering a new phase of increased activity. Scientists predict that the coming decades may be marked by even larger solar flares, which will affect navigation systems, the operation of spacecraft and even atmospheric conditions on Earth.
These conclusions are based on the results of the analysis of data obtained using NOAA satellites that flew over the South Atlantic Anomaly - an area with a weakened Earth's magnetic field. Scientists note that if the Gleisberg cycle has indeed started again, then with each cycle solar activity will only increase, and the next maximum of this cycle can be expected in 40-50 years.
