Solar Cycle 24 to Bring Intense Sunspot Activity, Impacting Earth.
Geomagnetic activity near solar minimum can predict the strength of the next solar maximum. There are two components to this activity: one linked to solar flares and eruptions, and another tied to solar wind streams. The second component peaks before solar minimum and is a reliable indicator of the following maximum. Recent data suggests that solar cycle 24 will be strong, similar to cycles 21 and 22, with a peak sunspot number of around 160.