Maximum of solar activity in 2013 is expected to be the weakest

Maximum activity this year is likely to be the weakest in at least the last 100 years, according to NASA scientists observing the nearest star to the Earth every day.

The number of sunspots is low, despite the fact that the sun is close to the maximum of its 11-year activity cycle. Furthermore, the intensity of radio waves, usually pointing to the high solar activity, also significantly reduced.

"In all probability, it will be the weak maximum solar activity for more than 100 years, if the number of sunspots," - wrote Joe Gurman, NASA mission Fellow Stereo, designed to observe the Sun. The current cycle of solar activity called the 24th cycle.

Low solar activity does not mean that our planet is safe from powerful solar eruptions that can harm sensitive electronics or power systems of the Earth, but the probability of such events will be significantly reduced, the researchers say.