Solar Maximum Spurs Solar Missions

• 13 Mar 2025

Source: IE 

NASA's PUNCH mission, aimed at studying the Sun's corona, is the third major solar mission since 2023, reflecting a rise in solar missions linked to the solar cycle, which is nearing its solar maximum. 

Solar Cycle: 

• The solar cycle is an 11-year period during which the Sun's magnetic field flips, causing the north and south poles to switch places. 
• During the solar maximum (when the Sun is most active), solar activity—such as sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections—increases, impacting satellite communications and power grids. 
  • Sunspots are small, dark, and cooler areas where the magnetic field is particularly strong. 
• The cycle ends with the solar minimum (when sunspot activity is at its lowest), leading to a decline in solar activity until the next cycle begins. 
  • The solar cycle is tracked by counting sunspots. 

Surge in Solar Missions: 

• The increased number of solar missions is due to the Sun approaching its solar maximum (2022-2024), providing the best opportunity to study its behavior. 
  • The next peak in solar activity is expected after 2035-2036. 

Earlier Solar Missions: Aditya L1 (India), Proba-3 (European Space Agency)  

Read More: NASA’s Punch Mission - Drishti IAS