Criteria for determining the start of a new cycle

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Thu, 12/17/2020 - 04:05

Hello,

I have been observing the sun for several years now.

I have just completed a training course on the classification of variable stars and light curves in French at AAVSO.

I am asking myself a very simple question without a precise answer, here it is:

  • Regarding solar cycles, is there a convention established by the scientific community to determine the start of a new cycle? If yes, what are the criteria used?

Thank you in advance and have a good day,

Max Surlaroute

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Excellent addition of information

Their criterion (SILSO) is "mathematical" .... change in growth .... variation in the slope of the tangent to the cycle curve ... null-positve-null-negative-null = one cycle ... .And so on !

Thank you Rich GRIB and have a good day,

Max Surlaroute