Sun Enters ‘Absolute Calm’ in Unexpected Anomaly After Active Peak

In a surprising turn of events, the Sun has entered a state of profound calm, with its Earth-facing side currently showing no sunspots for the first time since December 2021. According to the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IKI RAS), the flare activity index has also dropped to zero, a level not seen since April 2024. This sudden quiet is particularly anomalous as it follows an exceptionally turbulent start to 2026 and comes just over a year after the peak of the current 11-year solar cycle.

What is Happening on the Sun?

The Sun’s surface, which is usually a dynamic canvas of magnetic activity, now appears as a featureless disk. The complete absence of sunspots is a significant event. Sunspots are cooler, darker areas on the solar surface that are concentrations of intense magnetic fields. It is within these regions that magnetic energy accumulates, which is then released in the form of solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). The disappearance of sunspots signifies a shift to an extremely low state of activity, effectively shutting down the primary engine for space weather events.

An Anomaly in the Solar Cycle

Periods of such quiet are typically characteristic of a “solar minimum,” the phase of the lowest activity in the Sun’s 11-year cycle. However, the current situation is puzzling for scientists. Solar Cycle 25, which began in December 2019, has been notably more active than initially predicted and reached its maximum peak in mid-to-late 2024. The beginning of 2026 was marked by intense solar storms, with one active region breaking a 21st-century record for the number of powerful flares. Scientists at IKI RAS suggest the star appears “completely exhausted” after burning through so much energy, describing the current state as the beginning of a “very long depression.”

Historical Parallels and Climate Implications

Extended periods of solar quiet have historically been linked to significant climatic changes on Earth. The most famous example is the Maunder Minimum, a period of exceptionally low sunspot activity between 1645 and 1715. This solar lull coincided with the middle of the “Little Ice Age,” which brought unusually harsh winters to Europe and North America. During this time, the reduction in the Sun’s total irradiance is believed to have contributed to a drop in average temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere by 1.0–1.5°C. However, it is important to note that most modern scientists and organizations, including the NOAA/NASA Solar Cycle 25 Prediction Panel, do not currently see indications that we are approaching a new Maunder-type grand minimum.

A Look Ahead: A Temporary Lull or a New Trend?

While the current calm is striking, experts believe a complete and permanent cessation of activity is unlikely at this stage of the cycle. The prevailing view is that this is a temporary, albeit deep, downturn. The solar cycle is not over, and the Sun is expected to regain strength. It is also worth noting that some of the most powerful solar flares in previous cycles have occurred during the declining phase, years after the solar maximum. For now, the Earth can expect a period of calm geomagnetic conditions, but scientists will be watching the Sun closely to understand the full implications of this unexpected slumber.