| Solar cycle 23 | |
|---|---|
 The Sun, with some sunspots visible, during solar cycle 23 (2003). | |
| Sunspot data | |
| Start date | August 1996 |
| End date | December 2008 |
| Duration (years) | 12.3 |
| Max count | 180.3 |
| Max count month | November 2001 |
| Min count | 11.2 |
| Spotless days | 817 |
| Cycle chronology | |
| Previous cycle | Solar cycle 22 (1986–1996) |
| Next cycle | Solar cycle 24 (2008-late 2019) |
Solar cycle 23 was the 23rd solar cycle since 1755, when extensive recording of solar sunspot activity began.[1][2] The solar cycle lasted 12.6 years,[3] beginning in August 1996 and ending in December 2008. The maximum smoothed sunspot number observed during the solar cycle was 180.3 (November 2001), and the starting minimum was 11.2.[4] During the minimum transit from solar cycle 23 to 24, there were a total of 817 days with no sunspots.[5][6][7] Compared to the last several solar cycles, it was fairly average in terms of activity.
- ^ Kane, R.P. (2002), "Some Implications Using the Group Sunspot Number Reconstruction", Solar Physics, 205 (2): 383–401, Bibcode:2002SoPh..205..383K, doi:10.1023/A:1014296529097
- ^ "The Sun: Did You Say the Sun Has Spots?". Space Today Online. Retrieved 12 August 2010.
- ^ "Sun's 'quiet period' explained". BBC News. 13 August 2010. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
- ^ "SIDC Monthly Smoothed Sunspot Number".
- ^ "Spotless Days".
- ^ Dr. Tony Phillips (11 July 2008). "What's Wrong with the Sun? (Nothing)". NASA. Archived from the original on 14 July 2008.
- ^ "Solaemon's Spotless Days Page".