On the sun, the solar maximum of Solar Cycle 24 in the 11-year sunspot cycle is forecast to occur.

On the sun, the solar maximum of Solar Cycle 24 in the 11-year sunspot cycle is forecast to occur. Solar Cycle 24 is regarded to have commenced January 2008, and on average will reach its peak of maximal sunspot activity around 2012. The period between successive solar maxima averages 11 years (the Schwabe cycle), and the previous solar maximum of Solar Cycle 23 occurred in 2000–2002.[14] During the solar maximum the sun's magnetic poles will reverse.[15]