Solar cycle 24
| Solar cycle 24 | |
|---|---|
ISES Solar Cycle 24 Sunspot Number Progression | |
| Sunspot data | |
| Start date | December 2008 |
| End date | December 2019 |
| Duration (years) | 11.0 |
| Max count | 81.8 |
| Max count month | April 2014 |
| Min count | 2.2 |
| Spotless days | 489 |
| Cycle chronology | |
| Previous cycle | Solar cycle 23 (1996-2008) |
| Next cycle | Solar cycle 25 (2019-present) |
Solar cycle 24 is the most recently completed solar cycle, the 24th since 1755, when extensive recording of solar sunspot activity began. It began in December 2008 with a minimum smoothed sunspot number of 2.2, and ended in December 2019. Activity was minimal until early 2010. It reached its maximum in April 2014 with a 23 months smoothed sunspot number of 81.8. This maximum value was substantially lower than other recent solar cycles, down to a level which had not been seen since cycles 12 to 15 (1878-1923).