Abstract
SOLAR activity as measured by sunspot number has been carefully observed since 1749. It seems to have an 11-yr cycle which has been identified as a 22-yr magnetic period with every other 11-yr cycle having a reversed average solar magnetic field. As the amplitude and frequency of the cycle varies slowly with time it has become a point of interest to determine if sunspot activity variation is regular and constant over long periods of time. If it is constant, then it should be possible to make predictions based on historical observations. I show here that the monthly sunspot record (1749–1975) is represented by a Fourier Series, using the spectral analysis method of A. Paul. By evaluating the series, a forecast indicates that the next solar cycle began in December 1976, and will peak above 100 near 1982.
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HILL, J. Long term solar activity forecasting using high-resolution time spectral analysis. Nature 266, 151–153 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1038/266151a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/266151a0
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