Editing Solar Cycle (section)

= Solar Cycle =
== Summary ==
The '''Solar Cycle''' refers to the periodic changes in the Sun's activity and appearance, such as variations in the number of [[sunspots]], solar radiation, and solar magnetic field. This cycle, which lasts about 11 years, has significant effects on [[space weather]], Earth’s climate, and [[telecommunications]].

* [[Solar Cycle 24]]
* [[Solar Cycle 25]]
* [[Solar Cycle 26]]

== What, When, How, Why ==
'''What:''' The Solar Cycle is a natural cycle of solar activity, driven by the Sun’s magnetic field, manifesting through changes in the number of [[sunspots]] and solar emissions.

'''When:''' The Solar Cycle averages 11 years, with each cycle starting when solar activity is at a minimum and ending when it reaches the next minimum.

'''How:''' The cycle is primarily caused by the Sun’s magnetic field flipping every 11 years, resulting in a complete 22-year magnetic cycle known as the [[Hale Cycle]].

'''Why:''' Understanding the Solar Cycle is crucial for predicting [[space weather]], which can impact [[satellite communications]], [[GPS systems]], and [[power grids]] on Earth.

== [[Sun]] - [[Star]] - [[Sol]] ==
The Sun, often referred to as '''Sol''', is the star at the center of the [[Solar System]]. Its activity follows the Solar Cycle, which plays a crucial role in the dynamics of the [[Solar System]].

* The Sun's magnetic activity influences the entire [[Heliosphere]], the bubble of space dominated by the solar wind and magnetic field.
* Increased solar activity during a [[solar maximum]] can lead to intense [[solar flares]] and [[coronal mass ejections]] (CMEs).

For more details, see [NASA - Solar Cycle|https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/sunearth/spaceweather/index.html].

== The Precession of the Equinox ==
The '''Precession of the Equinoxes''' is the gradual shift in the orientation of Earth's axis of rotation, which also influences the timing and intensity of solar cycles over millennia.

* This precession impacts the [[Milankovitch Cycles]], long-term changes in Earth’s orbit that affect climate.
* It also has a relationship with the [[Great Year]], the period it takes for one complete cycle of equinox precession.

The [[Precession of the Equinox]] page covers the broader impacts of this phenomenon.

== See Also ==
* [[Sunspot Cycle]]
* [[Heliosphere]]
* [[Milankovitch Cycles]]
* [[Space Weather]]

== External Links ==
* [NASA - Solar Cycle Overview|https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/sunearth/spaceweather/index.html]
* [Space.com - What is the Solar Cycle?|https://www.space.com/solar-cycle.html]
* [NOAA - Solar Cycle and Space Weather|https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/phenomena/solar-cycle]