De Toma, G., Gibson, S., Emery, B. A., & Kozyra, J. (2010). Solar cycle 23: An unusual solar minimum? Twelfth International Solar Wind Conference, 1216, 667-670. doi:10.1063/1.3395955
We are currently observing the minimum phase of Cycle 23. Magnetic activity during the years 2006-2009 has been very weak with sunspot numbers reaching the lowest values in about 100 years. This long and extended minimum is characterized by weak polar magnetic fields, small polar coronal holes, a... Show moreWe are currently observing the minimum phase of Cycle 23. Magnetic activity during the years 2006-2009 has been very weak with sunspot numbers reaching the lowest values in about 100 years. This long and extended minimum is characterized by weak polar magnetic fields, small polar coronal holes, and a relatively complex coronal morphology. This magnetic configuration at the Sun is remarkably different from the one observed during the previous two solar minima. We review observations made at the Sun and in the solar wind during the recent solar minima and discuss the implications of the observed differences for the heliosphere and geospace. Show less
