Solar Saturday presented by Cedar Amateur Astronomers

Join us on July 22, 2023 from 3-6 PM for this free public event.

Cedar Amateur Astronomers member Carl Bracken will shed some light on solar cycles and the increased solar activity we are experiencing during the current solar cycle at Solar Saturday on July 22. This annual event will begin at 3 p.m. with solar viewing outside and displays and interactive exhibits inside the learning center.

Solar Cycle 25

For over 400 years, humans have been observing and documenting solar activity and found that it rises and falls in roughly 11-year cycles. We are currently on the upswing in Solar Cycle 25, which has yet to peak.

For example, recently our Iowa night skies were graced with colorful, pulsating curtains of light called the aurora borealis–the northern lights. It’s unusual for the northern lights to extend this far south, and it is especially rare for aurora borealis to be so bright on multiple occasions in Iowa already this spring.

The northern lights are directly tied to the Earth’s magnetic field and how it reacts to charged particles directed toward Earth from solar flares and coronal mass ejections.

Presentation

In his presentation, Bracken will discuss the higher-than-normal solar activity projections for Solar Cycle 25, which, so far, have proven to be accurate. He will answer questions solar activity watchers have been asking: When will this cycle reach its maximum? How long will it last?

Bracken will discuss and chart sunspots as they rotate across the face of the sun in increasing numbers and intensity. He will provide high-resolution images from both terrestrial and orbiting platforms gathering information on our nearest star.

Weather permitting, there will be live sun monitoring from telescopes equipped with special solar filters, allowing us the rare opportunity to look at the sun safely.

After Bracken’s presentation, further enjoy the telescopes and activities outdoors, along with free hot dogs and lemonade provided by Cedar Amateur Astronomers.

Solar Saturday, like all our public events, is free of charge and open to all ages. In addition, our younger guests will receive a free raffle ticket for our two grand prizes of a telescope and a pair of binoculars.