The solar cycle as a strange attractor
Abstract
The observed 11-year (or 22-year) cycle is not harmonic; short-term disturbances and a long-term modulation are clearly noted. The most impressive fact is a sharp weakening of solar activity in the period 1645-1715 (Maunder's minimum) and possibly in earlier epochs. Nonlinear dynamo theory is necessary to explain these features of the solar cycle. Such a theory does not yet exist, but some fragments of a future theory are discussed in this paper in connection with observational phenomena. Attention is given to the mechanism of solar activity, 11-year activity, quasi-periodic modulation, and the stochastic nature of the prolonged weakening of solar activity.
- Publication:
-
Comments on Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- 1981
- Bibcode:
- 1981ComAp...9...85R
- Keywords:
-
- Dynamo Theory;
- Solar Activity Effects;
- Solar Cycles;
- Solar Magnetic Field;
- Solar Oscillations;
- Sunspots;
- Atmospheric Turbulence;
- Long Term Effects;
- Periodic Variations;
- Solar Flares;
- Solar Physics;
- Stochastic Processes;
- Turbulence Effects;
- Solar Physics