Extreme Activity When You Least Expect It (Invited Presentation)

Solar minimum is a misleading term, because it gives the impression that space weather goes away. In addition, there is no strict definition of solar minimum nor what would qualify as solar minimum like conditions. At solar minimum, the sunspot number is reduced, but high speed solar wind starts to dominate, enhancing ‘killer’ electrons that pose a risk to spacecraft. Extreme geomagnetic, radiation, and radio blackout storms are possible as well. We will look at extreme activity as a function of sunspot number and phase of the solar cycle. Particular emphasis will be put on activity and forecasting during the declining phase of a solar cycle.