solar observations

Introduction

I am an active member of the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO), Solar Division, reporting under the observer initials DELS. I conduct visual solar observations using a 102mm f/10 refractor telescope fitted with a Baadar white-light solar filter, along with a dedicated H-Alpha solar telescope. Data are submitted via the AAVSO SunEntry app and contribute to the monthly computation of the American Relative Sunspot Number (Ra): a solar activity index used by professional researchers, government space agencies, and citizen scientists worldwide.

Solar Cycle Overview

Solar Cycle 25 began in December 2019, with a minimum smoothed sunspot number of 1.8. It is forecasted to continue until approximately 2030.

Solar Cycle 24 spanned from December 2008 to December 2019, beginning with a minimum smoothed sunspot number of 2.2. Solar activity remained low until early 2010. The maximum occurred in April 2014, with a 23-month smoothed sunspot number of 81.8, marking one of the weakest solar maxima in the last century — comparable only to solar cycles 12 through 15 (1878–1923).

Solar Cycle 23 extended from August 1996 to December 2008, concluding with the magnetic polarity reversal of sunspot regions. The peak smoothed sunspot number during this cycle was 180.3 in November 2001, with a starting minimum of 11.2.

Reference: Wikipedia