Many of us listen to weather forecasts when making weekend plans or simply deciding how to dress each morning. Solar storm activity reaches a maximum about once every 11 years, causing a period of great turbulence, solar winds, and sunspots. The last solar maximum occurred in 1989. Scientists say that Earth should be prepared for a peak of solar activity throughout this year.
Solar storms result from a number of factors.
In brief, the Sun's magnetic field builds up tension until it breaks through the surface, producing sunspots, which are cooler than other regions of the Sun. Sunspots are often accompanied by solar flares, large explosions that release a tremendous amount of energy. Charged particles from the solar flares travel through space and enter Earth's magnetic field. They can cause havoc with power plants and wireless communication systems of all kinds. Read the current solar forecast .