Solar Cycle 25 Is Finally Here

摘要

Set off the fireworks! Solar Cycle 25 is finally here, so now is a good time to review some basics, including what solar minimums and sunspots are, and why they're important for amateur radio. After reviewing what we know so far, we'll be able to make some predictions about what we can expect from Solar Cycle 25. Be sure to read Steve Ford's, WB8IMY, article and Bernie McClenny's, W3UR, "How's DX" column in this issue for more on Solar Cycle 25. Sunspots are the oldest direct record of the activity of the sun. A solar cycle, or sunspot cycle, starts at solar minimum (when there are few sunspots), goes through solar maximum (when there are many sunspots), and then ends up at solar minimum again.