| Session Details | |
| Section | ST - Solar & Terrestrial Sciences |
| Session Title | The Peculiar Solar Minimum between Solar Cycles 23 and 24 and its Heliospheric Consequences |
| Main Convener | Dr. Nat Gopalswamy (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, United States) |
| Co-convener(s) | Dr. Dibyendu Nandi (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research-Kolkata, India) Prof. Periasamy K. Manoharan (NCRA, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research,, India) Dr. Mario Bisi (Aberystwyth University, United Kingdom) |
| Session Description | The Sun's polar magnetic field strength has significantly diminished during the minimum phase between solar cycles 23 and 24, compared to previous minima in the recent past. This has been observed in the photosphere (e.g., the synoptic observations from the Wilcox Solar observatory), chromosphere (e.g., from the Nobeyama synoptic charts in microwaves), and corona (SOHO EUV synoptic maps). This minimum has been characterized by historically high values of cosmic ray flux and low values of solar irradiance since instrumental observations began. These have had corresponding effects in the heliosphere both at high latitudes (Ulysses observations) and in the ecliptic (Wind and ACE observations). The modified physical state of the interplanetary medium (magnetic field, solar wind plasma) is expected to have significant impact on the transients that propagate through the medium. The subdued solar minimum may also indicate a weak solar cycle 24, or a more extended period of abnormal behavior, which would be governed by the solar dynamo. Unusual behavior is also expected in geospace (e.g., atmosphere, ionosphere, and magnetosphere). In order to promote active research to understand the peculiar solar minimum and its consequences, we invite papers dealing with observations, theory, and modeling investigations related to the current solar activity and its consequences. Comparative studies involving the current minimum with other such diminished solar activity periods are also welcome. |