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Understanding Grand Minima in Solar Activity: Confronting Observations with Dynamo Simulations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 December 2024

Chitradeep Saha Open the ORCID record for Chitradeep Saha [Opens in a new window]  and
Dibyendu Nandy
Chitradeep Saha*
Affiliation:
Center of Excellence in Space Sciences India, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur 741246, West Bengal, India
Dibyendu Nandy
Affiliation:
Center of Excellence in Space Sciences India, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur 741246, West Bengal, India Department of Physical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur 741246, West Bengal, India
*
email: cs20rs018@iiserkol.ac.in
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Abstract

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The grand minimum in the Sun’s activity is a distinctive mode characterized by a magnetic lull that almost completely lacks the emergence of sunspots on the solar surface for an extended duration. The factors driving this transition of an otherwise magnetically active star into a quiescent phase, the processes occurring within the solar interior and across the heliosphere during this period, and the mechanisms leading to the eventual resurgence of surface magnetic activity remain enigmatic. However, there have been sustained efforts in the past few decades to unravel these mysteries by employing a combination of observation, reconstruction and simulation of solar magnetic variability. Here, we summarize recent research on the solar grand minimum and highlight some outstanding challenges – both intellectual and practical – that necessitate further investigations.

Keywords

Solar magnetic activitySolar grand minimumSolar dynamoSunspot cycle
Type
Contributed Paper
Information
Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union , Volume 19 , Symposium S365: Dynamics of Solar and Stellar Convection Zones and Atmospheres , December 2023 , pp. 128 - 140
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of International Astronomical Union

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