solar cycle

noun

, Astronomy.

1. the variation of sunspots, prominences, flares, and other solar activity through an 11-year cycle.

Example Sentences

I’ve been in Minnesota for almost one complete solar cycle.

From Slate

Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon said increased UK sightings were helped by the Sun being at the peak of an 11-year "solar cycle".

From BBC

Burns says that the team is continuing to study if the new surface field patterns can generate individual sunspots and the full 11-year solar cycle.

From Science Daily

It’s the biggest flare of this 11-year solar cycle, which is approaching its peak, according to NOAA.

From Seattle Times

This is because in the Sun's 11 year solar cycle, we are approaching the 'solar maximum', where there are naturally more sunspots on the Sun's surface.

From BBC