​New Solar Cycle Prediction Method

Astronomers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have recently developed a novel method to predict solar cycle amplitudes and enhance space weather forecasting using a century of solar data.

• This new prediction method also has potential applications in space weather forecasting, an area that monitors conditions in the solar system influenced by solar activity.
• Space weather encompasses solar phenomena like solar wind, coronal mass ejections, and solar flares, which can affect Earth’s magnetosphere and impact communication systems, power grids, and spacecraft.
• The researchers found a significant correlation between the width of supergranular cells on the sun’s surface during the solar minimum and ....