Solar activity cycles

Solar activity cycles are roughly 11-year periods during which the Sun's activity levels fluctuate. During a cycle, the Sun’s magnetic fields become more twisted and complex, leading to increased sunspots, solar flares, and ejections of solar material. At the peak, called solar maximum, activity is intense, affecting satellites and causing beautiful auroras on Earth. As the cycle declines to solar minimum, activity lessens, and the Sun appears calmer with fewer sunspots. These cycles are driven by the Sun’s magnetic field dynamics and are crucial for understanding space weather and its impact on Earth.