What is the Sun's 11 year cycle?
The Sun's 11 year cycle, also known as the solar cycle, is characterized by periodic changes in the Sun's magnetic field, specifically the flipping of its magnetic poles.
The Sun's magnetic field undergoes a regular pattern of change, known as the solar cycle.
The 11-Year Magnetic Reversal
A key aspect of this cycle is the reversal of the Sun's global magnetic field. Based on the provided reference, every 11 years or so, the Sun's magnetic field completely flips. This process involves the Sun's magnetic north pole and magnetic south pole switching places.
The Full Magnetic Cycle
Following the 11-year flip, it takes approximately another 11 years for the Sun's magnetic poles to flip back to their original orientation. Therefore, the complete magnetic cycle, from one configuration back to the same configuration, takes about 22 years. The 11-year cycle is often referenced in the context of the magnetic field reversal event that occurs within this larger cycle.
Based on the provided reference, the core definition of the 11-year solar cycle relates directly to the phenomenon where the Sun's magnetic field completely flips every 11 years, causing the magnetic poles to switch positions.
