1. Gradual Decline in Activity

  • After the solar maximum, the Sun's activity starts to decrease. Sunspots become less frequent, and the number of solar flares and CMEs also declines.
  • The Sun begins its transition toward the solar minimum, the quieter phase of the cycle when sunspot numbers are at their lowest, and solar activity is relatively calm.

2. Changing Magnetic Polarity

  • One of the most significant events following a solar maximum is the solar magnetic field reversal. During each solar maximum, the Sun’s magnetic poles flip, with the north and south poles switching places. This happens roughly every 11 years.
  • Once the polarity flip occurs, the Sun enters the declining phase of the solar cycle, and it prepares for the next solar minimum.

3. Geomagnetic Effects on Earth Decrease

  • As solar activity diminishes, the frequency of geomagnetic storms (caused by solar wind and CMEs interacting with Earth's magnetic field) will decrease.
  • These storms can cause auroras (northern and southern lights) to appear at lower latitudes during the solar maximum. Afterward, auroras become less frequent and less intense as solar activity wanes.
  • Effects on satellite communications, GPS, and power grids also lessen as the solar activity decreases.

4. Impacts on Space Weather Diminish

  • The intense radiation and energetic particles produced by solar flares and CMEs during the solar maximum can affect space weather, which has implications for astronauts, satellites, and technology on Earth.
  • As the Sun moves toward solar minimum, these space weather effects become less pronounced, allowing for more stable conditions in Earth's magnetosphere.

5. Solar Cycle Reset and Return to Minimum

  • After the solar maximum and the declining phase, the Sun enters the solar minimum phase. This is the quietest period in the solar cycle, characterized by:
    • Very few sunspots.
    • Minimal solar flare activity.
    • Weaker solar winds.
  • The solar minimum can last several years before the next solar cycle begins, leading to a new solar maximum.

6. Next Solar Cycle (Cycle 26) Begins

  • As the solar minimum approaches, the seeds of the next solar cycle start to form. Small sunspots may appear with opposite magnetic polarity, indicating the beginning of the next cycle (Cycle 26, if we are talking about the current cycle).
  • The solar cycle will then ramp up again, leading to the next solar maximum after about 11 years.

Effects and Monitoring

  • Climate and Weather: The Sun’s solar cycle has a minor influence on Earth’s climate. During solar maximums, the Sun emits slightly more energy, but this effect is relatively small compared to other factors affecting climate change.
  • Auroras: As solar activity decreases, auroras become less frequent and mainly occur closer to the poles.
  • Technological Systems: With fewer geomagnetic storms, satellites, power grids, and other technological systems are less likely to experience disruptions from solar activity.

In summary, after the solar maximum, the Sun will gradually reduce its activity, flip its magnetic field, and eventually enter a quieter phase known as the solar minimum. This cycle will continue as it has for billions of years, with the next solar maximum occurring in another 11 years or so.