[WVDXA] New sunspot cycle starts

[Pstark]

WASHINGTON (AP) - A new solar cycle is under way.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Friday that the
first sunspot of a new 11-year cycle has appeared in the sun's northern
hemisphere.

The frequency of sunspots rises and falls during these cycles, and the start
of a new cycle indicates they are likely to begin increasing.

Sunspots, areas of intense magnetic activity on the sun, can affect Earth by
disrupting electrical grids, airline and military communications, GPS
signals and even cell phones, the agency said. During periods of intense
sunspot activity, known as solar storms, highly charged radiation from the
sun may head toward Earth.

"Our growing dependence on highly sophisticated, space-based technologies
means we are far more vulnerable to space weather today than in the past,"
said NOAA Administrator Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr.

Last April an international panel of solar experts forecast that Solar Cycle
24 would start in March 2008, plus or minus six months. The panel was split
between those predicting a strong or weak cycle.

---

Pete Stark  K4OM
EM88si
Huntington, WV