What is the solar magnetic cycle?

The solar cycle or solar magnetic activity cycle is the nearly periodic 11-year change in the Sun's activity (including changes in the levels of solar radiation and ejection of solar material) and appearance (changes in the number of sunspots, flares, and other manifestations).

They have been observed by changes in the sun's appearance and by changes seen on Earth, such as auroras for centuries.

The changes on the sun cause effects in space, in the atmosphere, and on Earth's surface. While it is the dominant variable in solar activity, aperiodic fluctuations also occur.

The solar magnetic cycle, sometimes referred to as the solar cycle or sunspot cycle, is a roughly 11-year cycle in the Sun's activity that is characterized by variations in the strength of the magnetic field, which show up as variations in the number of sunspots, solar flares, and other solar phenomena. The cycle is divided into two main phases: solar minimum, which is characterized by fewer sunspots and decreased solar activity, and solar maximum, which is characterized by increased solar activity and a higher number of sunspots.