On the Modulation of the Solar Activity Cycles, and Hemispheric Asymmetry of Solar Magnetism during the Cycle 23/24 Minimum
Abstract
We address the origin of the 11-year (quasi-)periodicity of the sunspot cycle by tying it to the significant temporal overlap of activity bands belonging to the 22-year magnetic activity cycle. Using a systematic analysis of ubiquitous coronal brightpoints, and the prevalent magnetic scale on which they form, we are able to observationally demonstrate the entirety of the 22-year magnetic activity cycle. The phases of the sunspot cycle occur as landmarks in the interaction and evolution of the overlapping activity bands in each hemisphere. The unusual conditions of the recent Cycle 23/24 minimum can be directly attributed to the asymmetry (southern lag) between the two hemispheres of the sun. The work presented establishes significant observational constraints for models of the origins of solar magnetic activity and will, as a result, improve our understanding of the structure of the heliosphere and the modulation of our star's radiative and particulate output. We demonstrate how the Sun can descend into, and recover from, Grand Minima. Even if that is not where we're headed, we show why Cycle 25 is likely to be even weaker than Cycle 24.
- Publication:
-
SDO-3: Exploring the Network of SDO Science
- Pub Date:
- March 2013
- Bibcode:
- 2013enss.confE.140L
- Keywords:
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- SDO;
- SDO-7;
- SDO 7;
- SDO Workshop;
- 2013 LWS/SDO Science Workshop;
- Solar Dynamic Observatory