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Old solar cycle returns

31 March 2008

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It shows the north and south magnetic poles of the three sunspots. All are oriented according to the patterns of solar cycle 23. Cycle 24 spots would be reversed.

Credits: SOHO/MDI (ESA&NASA)

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Sunspot counts versus year: 2008 is a low point in the solar cycle. Smoothed curves are predictions of future activity.

Credits: NASA (D. Hathaway)

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