Home
Weather Dublin
WeatherRadar
RainfallRadar
TemperatureRadar
WindRadar
LightningRadar
Weather News
Editor's Pick
Discover the app
Weather widget
Contact us
Apps
    Home / Weather News /

    Solar maximum means more aurora

10:00
24 October 2024

Solar cycle 25
Solar maximum means more aurora

NASA and NOAA have officially announced that we're in the solar maximum of Solar Cycle 25!

It's no secret the Sun has been active lately with all the geomagnetic storms causing beautiful auroras to be seen far south across the northern hemisphere.

The Sun has an 11-year cycle going from little activity, peaking in the middle, then eventually waning again.

This solar maximum period is expected to last 2 to 3 years and we can expect the sun to unleash plenty of energy resulting in space weather, according to the Solar Cycle Prediction Panel.

Since last year, the Sun's activity has been growing and surpassing forecasts for more activity even a year early. This year alone, the solar flares have been some of the strongest in at most 20 years!

These flares are spewed from sunspots and come out as coronal mass ejections, eventually interacting with Earth's magnetic field if they are aimed toward us.

We're in for more geomagnetic storms during the solar maximum, but that's not the only thing that comes from Earth-facing solar flares.

Satellites, astronauts, radio and GPS communications can also be compromised when hit by these flares.

Aurora captured by you in Octoberread more
Weather & Radar editorial team
More on the topic
Unusually strong thunderstorms possible. Ireland & Scotland. . . Wednesday 24 June 2026
Weather map of Ireland and the UK showing marked warning areas and a lightning warning symbol. Indication of an increased risk of severe weather on Thursday.
Wednesday 24 June 2026

Ireland & Scotland

Unusually strong thunderstorms possible
Schools closed and more heat disruption. Red warnings now live. . . Wednesday 24 June 2026
Split image showing a person using a sun umbrella near the Elizabeth Tower in London on the left and a temperature map of England on the right with widespread red heat, temperatures reaching 35°C near London, and a large thermometer icon.
Wednesday 24 June 2026

Red warnings now live

Schools closed and more heat disruption
New record June temperature in the UK. Likely to be broken again. . . Thursday 25 June 2026
Heat map of southern England on 24.06 showing extreme temperatures across Hampshire, with Gosport highlighted at 36.1°C and nearby Portsmouth around 35°C amid deep red heat zones.
Thursday 25 June 2026

Likely to be broken again

New record June temperature in the UK
All weather news
This might also interest you
Seasonal warmth between spring thunder. Your weather - Your shots. . . Sunday 19 April 2026
Split image showing coastal sunset with layered lenticular clouds over rooftops and palm trees on the left, and a green valley with river and hills under soft daylight on the right.
Sunday 19 April 2026

Your weather - Your shots

Seasonal warmth between spring thunder
Bright and warm conditions take hold. Spring-like outlook. . . Thursday 23 April 2026
Split UK map showing warm temperatures up to 21 degrees in orange on the left and clear sunny conditions with temperatures from 12 to 18 degrees on the right, with sun icons across the country.
Thursday 23 April 2026

Spring-like outlook

Bright and warm conditions take hold
Storm Chandra makes impact. Severe gales & heavy rain. . . Tuesday 27 January 2026
Split image showing strong winds over the UK on a forecast map and widespread rain and snow on a weather radar map.
Tuesday 27 January 2026

Severe gales & heavy rain

Storm Chandra makes impact
All articles
Weather & Radar

Weather & Radar is also available on

Google Play StoreApp Store

Company

Contact us Privacy Policy Legal info Accessibility statement

Services

Uploader

Socials

facebooktwitteryouTubelinkList