The U.S. space agency NASA has announced that the sun has reached its maximum heat cycle, which could continue for another year, providing opportunities to observe the aurora borealis in the coming months.
NASA researchers explained that the current solar maximum, which began about two years ago, could last even longer, but a final confirmation will depend on further analysis of the data collected thus far.
“This phase typically lasts around three to four years,” the scientists stated.
Solar activity follows an 11-year cycle, fluctuating between periods of calm and intense activity.
During a solar maximum, increased solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) lead to waves of geomagnetic storms, often resulting in spectacular displays of the aurora borealis or northern lights.
“This announcement does not mean that this is the peak of solar activity we will see during this cycle,” emphasized Elsayed Talaat, director of space weather operations at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
“While the sun has reached its maximum period, the month in which solar activity peaks cannot be identified for months or years,” he added.
Recently, red and green auroras have been visible in various regions, including Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, and even as far south as the Mediterranean region.
