Solar activity - Introduction

Periodical changes

Distance of Sun from barycentre

Distance D of Sun from barycentre is caused mostly by outer planets (J,S,N,U), other known bodies have imperceptible influence.

Departure influenced by Jupiter (742792 km) is the only one, that stick center of gravity out of the Sun (Rs~696000 km).

Total distance of the centre of gravity is D=∑Di, where D_i = a_i * m_i/M and a_i is distance of planet from the Sun, m_i mass of the planet and M total mass. Mass of the Sun M_SUN~1990.00 [10²⁷kg], mass of all planets ∑m_i ~2.67 [10²⁷kg]. Because ∑m_i is small with regard to M_SUN, mass of whole system M~M_SUN.

    Year   L        v         w
   -----------------------------------
    1938   150,5    115,8     251,3
    1947     7,0    105,1    -212,8
    1956   355,0    105,6     164,7
    1967   292,4    102,7    -224,1
    1976   233,9    105,0     211,0
    1989   160,9     92,7    -276,2
    1996   116,0    108,5     284,1
    2004   319,9    116,4    -193,8

Observation of acceleration of the Sun does not lead directly to cause of the primary 11-years cycle of solar activity.

For more on solar activity cycles see page Solar cycles.

Long-term changes

In the years 1810-1812 (Dalton minimum) was Jupiter in opposition to Saturn, Uranus and Neptune (J-SUN).
A similar such configuration of planets occurred for example in 1989-1991.

Other configurations (Dalton extremes) can be found in years (bold blue - minimum, bold red - maximum):
84-85, 124-126, 263-265, 303-304,442-444, 483, 621-623, 762, 800-801,
1134, 1314, 1492, 1631, 1671, 1810-1812, 1850, 1989-1991, 2029-2030, 2168-2170.

If the opposition J-SUN implies a minimum of solar activity, then it is necessary to explain the increase of activity in years 1134 (the medieval maximum) and 1989-1991 (the modern maximum).

Theory of solar activity

The influence of planets on solar activity

1/ Theory of Jupiter influence

• Rudolf Wolf, R.C.Carrington (1859) - solar cycle determined by (tidal) influence of Jupiter
• John Gribbin, Stephen Plagemann - influnce of Jupiter (and planetáry conjunctions)
• I.Charvátová - in chaotic periods - with variable longer cycles (tj. around conjunctions U-N -y. 1650,1821, 1992,…) Jupiter is in aphelion in time of maxima of solar activity.
  On the contrary in harmonic periods - with short c. 10 years cycles - (ie. in case of opposition U-N, gravity centre Sun-U-N goes near to the Sun) Jupiter is in perihelion (i.e. gravity centre Sun-J is nearer to the Sun) in time of maxima of solar activity.
• Statistical research - Timo Niroma
• Causal research - Jan Benestad

2/ Tidal theory

• R.M.Wood, K.D.Wood (1965)- dynamic model - includes all planets (except Mars and Pluto), the inner planets act on the Sun with forces comparable to those of the outer planets.
• E.K.Bigg (1967) - focuses on the action of the planet Mercury (in the context of other planets), the action of planets is a trigger of the main cause of activity. (G.A.J.Ferris)
• C.J.Bollinger (1967) - the tidal action of the planets (M, V, E) on the Sun leads back                  to changes in winter temperatures on Earth. Periods 11.19 resp. 111.9 years.
• N.Scafetta - The sun may intensify the tidal power by nuclear fusion.
• Václav Bumba - Reflection of the cycle of conjunctions depending on heliographic widths.
• I.R.G.Wilson (2008-2013) - Tidal action of planets (V, E, J) on the Sun, while Jupiter accelerates or slows (by its gravitational action) the rotation of solar plasma. Periods 22.14, 165.5 years and "Jupiter" cycle 363.6 years (R.J.Salvador, 2013).

3/ Theory of angular momentum changes

a/ Angular momentum

Some theories derive solar activity from changes of angular momentum of (outer) planets. Hereat maximal momentum is in time of conjunction of planets (barycentre is deflected to side of planets) , minimal momentum is in time of opposition (barycentre is near to the centre of the Sun).

In both these examples the change of momentum is minimal and therefore minimum activity is expected. Maximum activity has to be in time of angular distance of planets c. 60º, i.e. there are 2 maxima for 1 minimum!? According to these assumptions there would be minimum activity around year 1992 (this does not occurred).

b/ Quadratures

• H.T.Mörth (United Kingdom) and L.Schlamminger (Germany) - greatest amplitudes of solar activity at angular separation of planetary longitudes 90° (1979).
• Frank Glasby (2002) - influence of quadratures (90° heliocentric alignment of planets) on sunspots and earthquakes.

4/ Theory of barycentric location

a/ Barycentric deflection

• P.D.Jose (1965) - vychylování Slunce vzhledem k barycentru planetami Jupiter a Saturn.
• R.M.Wood, K.D.Wood (1965) -"jerk" - ukazatel změny zrychlení - nalezena korelace s periodou 11.08 let (pracují s průměrnými periodami).
• I. Charvatova (harmonic and chaotic layouts). Solar activity decreases in time when ordered (harmonic) motion of planets Jupiter and Saturn is disturbed by other bodies. Largest known disturbations are caused by planets Uranus and Neptune, we deduce, that solar activity decrease in time of their conjunctions (chaotic period). Until now it is in agreement with theories of angular momentum changes. In time of oppositions U-N is solar activity higher (harmonic period).
• G.J.Sharp (2013) - The possible influence of Uranus and Neptune on solar minima.

c/ Barycentric direction

Theodor Landscheidt showed that higher activity on Sun is directed from and to barycentre.

A similar principle (in combination with tidal theory) introduced (independently from Landscheidt) geophysicist Pavel Kalenda.

5/ Resonance theory

Small (tidal) effects enhance the natural oscillation of the solar atmosphere and cause great changes.

Denial of the possible influence of planets

• Charles M.Smythe, John A.Eddy - Planetary patterns of conjunctions during Maunder's minima are indistinguishable from the planetary patterns of the present. From the motion of planets, it is not possible to predict the future development of solar activity satisfactorily- neither timing nor amplitude. Other theories are needed for predictions.
• George F.Kronenberger - different activity in similar configurations of outer planets (1788 vs. 1804) or the same activity in different configurations (e.g., J-S-U 1804 vs. 1837, J-S-N 1843 vs 1867, etc.). The position of internal planets is changing too fast compared with changes to the Sun.

The existence of the solar dynamo (C.Jager, S.Duhau) or other internal periodic phenomena on the Sun is assumed. Research focuses on magnetic fields, solar plasma behavior, physical and statistical surveys, and the like.

Selected solar extremes

Selected solar maxima

Carrington proton event - Solar superstorm.

1.9.1859

The Civil War Aurora - Aurora Borealis - 14.12.1862

2004 -2146 -2289

See also oppositions of Jupiter against inner planets (1288.2 - 1574.4 - 1860.6)
or conjunctions NX (1309 - 1595 - 1883).

Selected solar minima