solar cycle landmarks influenced by changes in the sun's magnetic field
Sunspots have been used in the solar cycle since humanity first noticed them around 400 years ago.
Scientists have traditionally used the "solar minimum," or period of decreased solar activity, to mark the beginning of each cycle.
Using a "solar clock," many significant changes during the solar cycle can be accurately described and predicted.
The new method improves on the traditional sunspot technique by forecasting surges in dangerous solar flares.
The magnetic field of the sun changes direction with each solar cycle, but there is some overlap between successive cycles.
The new paper identifies additional landmarks along the path from terminator to terminator of a full solar cycle.