Study: Sunspot Number at Steep Decline Point Correlates With Next Solar Maximum

Research by Sandra Chapman shows solar activity maxima have a sharp decline point, and the sunspot number at that moment correlates with the strength of the next maximum. The Sun is currently in cycle 25, with decline lasting until ~2030; cycle 26 is expected to be weaker, with an accurate forecast after the decline point around 2028.

• Solar activity follows an 11-year cycle known since the 1800s
• Sunspot number at steep decline point correlates with next maximum strength
• Cycle 25 began in 2019 and has passed peak, decline until ~2030
• Cycle 26 forecast: weaker than cycle 25, model check by mid-to-late 2030s