The Sun and its activity is a topic of special interest for experts who have been studying its changes and movements for decades. In fact, it is known that the Sun became more active since 2008 according to a new study conducted by NASA.
While it was already known that solar activity fluctuates in 11-year cycles, this new report revealed that there are long-term variations that can last for decades. In this sense, the low amount of solar activity that occurred between the 1980s and 2008, the year in which its lowest level was recorded, puzzled specialists who were expecting the Sun to enter a historically low activity period.
However, the Sun reversed its course at that time and began to become more active, according to the article published on the specialized site The Astrophysical Journal Letter. According to researchers, this trend could lead to an increase in space weather phenomena such as solar flares and storms or coronal mass ejections.
These phenomena are important for NASA, as they can affect spacecraft, astronaut safety, radio communications, GPS, and even terrestrial power grids. For these reasons, they are tracked by NASA, which seeks to understand the space environment to support spacecraft in their work.
A NASA study revealed a continuous increase in solar activity. Photo: Unsplash.
An activity observed since the time of Galileo Galilei
According to experts, the oldest record of solar activity began in the early 17th century, with the work of different astronomers, including Galileo, who were responsible for counting sunspots and documenting their changes. These spots are colder and darker regions on the solar surface, produced by the concentration of magnetic field lines.
In turn, sunspots are also associated with increased solar activity, such as solar flares. These flares consist of intense bursts of radiation, while coronal mass ejections are defined as huge bubbles of plasma that erupt from the solar surface and expand throughout the solar system.
Regarding solar activity, periods of low activity occurred between 1645 and 1715, and then between 1790 and 1830, periods that lasted for about 40 years each. According to experts, the long-term trend recorded in both periods is still not fully understandable to science.
A NASA study revealed a continuous increase in solar activity. Photo: Unsplash.
Why is it important to study this phenomenon?
Solar activity directly influences Earth, from space weather to the stability of telecommunications. Solar flares and coronal mass ejections can affect satellites, navigation systems, and power grids, causing large-scale disruptions. Understanding these phenomena allows for anticipating and reducing their impacts.
Furthermore, solar radiation is the primary source of energy for the planet. Studying how its intensity varies and how it interacts with the Earth’s atmosphere is essential for understanding climate patterns and projecting long-term changes. Thus, solar research becomes a key tool in facing the challenge of climate change.
Knowledge of solar activity also contributes to scientific and technological advancement. Space missions and specialized observatories generate data that improve space weather forecasting and strengthen the development of new technologies. In this way, the study of the Sun not only protects critical infrastructures but also drives global scientific innovation.
