The solar constant is a measure of the amount of radiant energy reaching the earth's outer atmosphere from the sun. More precisely, it is equal to the rate at which solar radiation falls on a unit area of a plane surface at the top of the...

The solar cycle, or the solar magnetic activity cycle, is the dynamical engine and energy source behind all solar phenomena driving space weather. Powered by a hydromagnetic dynamo process relying on the inductive action of internal solar flows, the...

Ringing to the beat of the solar cycle The sun apparently changes its tune in time with the rise and fall in sunspot number and magnetic activity marking the solar cycle. Careful measurements of the acoustic frequencies at which the sun oscillates...

Solar cycle linked to weather Atmospheric scientists have discovered a strong statistical link between the 11-year solar cycle and the weather here on earth--a finding that may eventually help explain why some winters are mild while others are unrelentingly harsh. The report...

The peak of the next sunspot cycle is expected in late 2011 or mid-2012 _ potentially affecting airline flights, communications satellites and electrical transmissions. But forecasters can't agree on how intense it will be.A 12-member panel charged with forecasting the solar cycle said Wednesday it...

Scientists are deadlocked over the severity of the next sunspot cycle, which could produce powerful solar storms that can disrupt communication systems on Earth.A panel of space weather forecasters has been sifting through about three dozen predictions from 15 nations that differ widely in how...