Cycle 22 is expected to have an extended maximum with periods of high activity probable through 1992. They reached their lowest levels around 9 April and again at the end of the month. Sunspot groups for April again included several regions at relatively high latitudes. Several coronal holes were observed during the month. The southern polar hole was still visible.
Earth viewing angles prevent confirmation of the northern polar hole.
Geophysically, April was active. Four proton events and several days at major geomagnetic storm levels were observed. Fluxes for the third event, which began on 16 April, remained near event threshold for several days, returning to background levels on 25 April. A major geomagnetic storm began on 9 April and resulted in visible aurora at mid U.S. locales. The beginning of May was very quiet.