1.7
Solar Cycle 23: In Perspective
William J. Murtagh, NOAA/Space Environment Center, Boulder, CO
Solar Cycle 23 began in May 1996 with a monthly smoothed sunspot number (SSN) of 8.0 and peaked in April 2000 at 120.8. We can now examine this cycle and compare it to previous cycles using the traditional measurements of SSN, F10.7 solar radio flux and geomagnetic Ap progression. I will briefly review Cycle 23’s most active periods and put them into context of active epochs in previous solar cycles. As solar minimum approaches, we expect to see sunspot numbers decline, and the occurrence of significant solar flares and coronal mass ejections will dwindle. This may suggest to some that space weather impacts will be negligible for years to come. I will review the waning stages of past solar cycles and assess what we might expect in the remaining years of Solar Cycle 23. The information will highlight that while the worst may be over, a variety of significant activity is still possible, and indeed likely. .
Session 1, Space Weather Agencies—Research to Operations (Room 617)
Tuesday, 13 January 2004, 8:30 AM-12:00 PM, Room 617
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