Extended Solar Minimum Linked to Changes in Sun's Conveyor Belt
Thursday, August 12, 2010 - 15:42
in Astronomy & Space
A new analysis of the unusually long solar cycle that ended in 2008 suggests that one reason for the long cycle could be a stretching of the Sun's conveyor belt, a current of plasma that circulates between the Sun's equator and its poles. The results should help scientists better understand the factors controlling the timing of solar cycles and could lead to better predictions.