Solar cycle · ~0.1% over a cycle

Solar Irradiance Variation

The total energy the Sun radiates varies slightly over the activity cycle — by about a tenth of a percent between solar maximum and minimum — as dark sunspots and bright faculae come and go. Measured continuously from space since the late 1970s, these variations are a key input to studies of the Sun's influence on climate.

Highlights

›Total output changes ~0.1% across the cycle

The Sun
The Solar Cycle
Sunspots
Plage

Knowledge connections

Associated withThe Sun
Associated withThe Solar Cycle
Associated withSunspots
Associated withPlage

Sources

Facts on this topic will be cited from these primary and reference sources.

NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.

Loading…

Solar Irradiance Variation

Highlights

The Sun, its layers & phenomena

Knowledge connections

Sources

Solar Irradiance Variation

Highlights

The Sun, its layers & phenomena

Knowledge connections

Sources