Solar Cycle

An approximately 11-year pattern in the number of sunspots, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), solar flares, and other solar activity. About every 11 years the Sun’s magnetic field changes from north to south, and then back again in another 11 years.

The approximately 11-year period during which the frequency and number of Sunspots, coronal mass ejections, solar flares, and other solar activity rises and falls. Also called the Sunspot cycle.

In solar-terrestrial terms, the approximately 11-year quasi-periodic variation in frequency or number of solar active events.