Sunspot numbers hit 20-year high, indicating the sun is fast approaching its explosive peak

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A time-lapse picture of all of the sunspots that appeared on the solar in June 2023. (Made utilizing information from NASA’s Photo voltaic Dynamics Observatory.) (Picture credit score: Şenol Şanlı)

The solar is partying prefer it’s 2002. The variety of noticed sunspots on our dwelling star final month was the very best for nearly 21 years. It is one of many clearest indicators but we’re quick approaching the solar’s chaotic peak, referred to as photo voltaic most — and that  it is going to be way more excessive than initially predicted.

In June, 163 sunspots appeared on the photo voltaic floor, in line with the House Climate Prediction Middle. The final time this many darkish patches littered the solar was in September 2002, when 187 sunspots had been noticed.