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The last Solar Maximum was in 2002. The Sun is currently at the minimum of the sunspot cycle, perhaps just at the beginning of the new Cycle 24. So far, the Sunspot Number for February is Zero - no sunspots at all this month so far (as of February 8, 2009).
You can check the sunspot number, and see fascinating things about things in space each day at www.spaceweather.com. It is currently focusing on photos of Comet Lulin, the Green Comet.
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The problem with WikiAnswers is that if you ask a question that is time-related, such as "When was the last sunspot maximum?", the answer becomes less and less useful as time goes by. The answer above was from February, 2009; today is April 10, 2014, five years later. The "last sunspot maximum" answer now would be "last month", since we're at or near the Solar Max.
It's been a long time coming; the last solar cycle dawdled for a year longer than it should have, and this cycle looks like it's going to be well below the average of previous solar cycles. But the spaceweather.com website, linked below, is still the best resource for questions like this.
What else can I help you with?
What are sunspot maximums and sunspot minimums?
Sunspot maximum and sunspot minimum are the points in time (roughly 6 years apart) when the sun is producing the most, or the least sunspots. In the past this has been measured both by sunspot area and sunspot count and is directly tied to the solar magnetic cycle.
Sunspots are most numerous in the sun in solar maximum or solar minimum?
Sunspots are most numerous during solar maximum, which occurs approximately every 11 years. During solar minimum, the sun is less active and sunspot activity decreases.
How many years is the sunspot cycle?
The sunspot cycle is about 11 years in length.
What is the average sunspot cycle in years?
The average sunspot cycle is approximately 11 years, with periods of high sunspot activity followed by lower activity levels. This cycle is known as the solar cycle or the sunspot cycle.
How much sunspots are there on the sun during the peak of the sunspot cycle?
At a minimum, there are no sunspots at all, and the Sun can remain spotless for months at a time. In 2009, for example, there were 260 spotless days. In 2008, there had been 200 spotless days - by September! This last solar minimum lasted for about 18 months longer than is "normal", whatever "normal" is. Since December 2009, the Sun has slowly become more and more active, with at least a few sunspots visible almost every day since then. The Solar Maximum in 2004 was QUITE active; the Sun looked freckled!
What are sunspot maximums and sunspot minimums?
Sunspot maximum and sunspot minimum are the points in time (roughly 6 years apart) when the sun is producing the most, or the least sunspots. In the past this has been measured both by sunspot area and sunspot count and is directly tied to the solar magnetic cycle.
When wil lthe next sunspot minimum and sunspot maximum occur after the maximum in 2001and the minimum in 2007?
The last sunspot cycle may have ended in December 2008 (Cycle 23). However, due to lack of sunspot activity, scientist are unsure whether cycle 23 has ended yet, or whether cycle 24 is just starting. A rough guess would place the timing around December 2009 but as with everything, nothing is certain, certainly not the sunspot cycle. (The 11 year cycle is a mean value and cannot be taken as precise). Given the approximate 11-year cycle, and assuming that cycle 24 started in January 2009, then the PEAK of sunspot activity should occur about 5 1/2 years from then, around summer 2014. See related links for more information
Are the number of sunspots on the sun's surface always the same?
No, sunspot activity increases and decreases. Scientists have observed that the level of sunspot activity follows a cycle of about 11 years (11 years from maximum to maximum and 11 years from minimum to minimum).
What is the definition of sunspot maximum?
The number of sunspots on the Sun seems to fluctuate in an 11-year cycle. When the sunspot cycle is at its maximum, the Sun is typically covered with sunspots. The last "Solar Max" occurred in 2002.We are currently at the "Solar Minimum"; there are very few sunspots. Strangely, the cycle was expected to start rising a year ago, but the Sun seems to be in an extended calm period. In fact, for over 200 days so far this year, there have been no sunspots at all!You can keep track of the sunspot number and see daily photos of the Sun at spaceweather.com.
When was the last sun spot Maxima?
The sunspot maximum is usually a broad peak. There is a two or three year period when activity is quite high. I wouldn't say that we're really in the solar maximum yet. I expect solar activity to be highest in 2000 and 2001, and then in 2002 it may decline back to where we are now in October 1999." That Was The Last 1 Between (2000 and 2001
The duration of the sunspot cycle is approximately?
Every 11 years. The entire solar magnetic cycle takes about 22 years; twice in this cycle there is a sunspot maximum.
Where are sunspot found?
Sunspots are most frequent about 30 degrees north or south of the equator. They tend to appear there around the maximum of the 11 year sunspot cycle. Earlier in the cycle they areseen at higher latitudes and later they are at lower latitudes.
What is the largest sunspot?
Prominence Sunspot in 1945
Are sunspots most common during a sunspot minimum?
Sunspots are most common during a sunspot (solar magnetic) maximum, this occurs periodically, on an 11 year cycle.
Sunspots are most numerous in the sun in solar maximum or solar minimum?
Sunspots are most numerous during solar maximum, which occurs approximately every 11 years. During solar minimum, the sun is less active and sunspot activity decreases.
How long does it normally take a sunspot to form and disappear?
Sunspots typically form over the course of several days to weeks and can last for days to months before they disappear. The exact duration can vary based on the size and complexity of the sunspot.
How many years is the sunspot cycle?
The sunspot cycle is about 11 years in length.
