| 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 12.3 years, 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.[3] During the minimum transit from solar cycle 23 to 24, there were a total of 817 days with no sunspots.[4][5][6] 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.
- ^ "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".