Over the past 17 years, the Sun's activity has been steadily increasing, defying previous expectations of a prolonged low activity period following the 1980s decline, and indicating a shift towards a more active phase.

Historical data reveals that the Sun has experienced periods of extremely low activity, such as during the 17th and early 19th centuries, but it is now returning to a more active state, with recent solar cycles showing signs of heightened activity.

The recent stronger-than-expected solar cycle 25, which peaked earlier than predicted, signals a significant change in the Sun's behavior and increased activity levels.

This trend is noteworthy because it suggests the Sun is becoming more active independently of its typical 11-year solar cycle, which has been observed for over a millennium.

A peer-reviewed study indicates that the Sun's activity reversed its downward trend after 2008, with increased solar plasma bursts and stronger magnetic fields, supporting the idea of a rising solar activity trend.

NASA researchers confirm that the increase in solar activity is part of a broader pattern of the Sun awakening from a period of relative inactivity, as shown by data on solar wind and magnetic fields.

Earth is currently in Solar Cycle 25, which began in 2020 and was initially considered the weakest in a century, but recent data shows the trend has reversed, with solar activity on the rise.

This rising solar activity is significant because it could lead to more solar storms, flares, and coronal mass ejections, potentially impacting Earth's technological infrastructure and space missions.

The increase in solar activity raises concerns about more frequent and intense solar storms, which could disrupt communications, damage satellites, and pose hazards to astronauts, as well as trigger superflare events with catastrophic consequences.

Geomagnetic storms resulting from solar activity can disrupt internet, radio, and other communication systems on Earth, emphasizing the importance of space weather prediction for protecting infrastructure and supporting NASA's Artemis missions.

In May 2024, NASA recorded the strongest geomagnetic storm in over 20 years, caused by X-class solar flares, which produced auroras at unusually low latitudes, such as Mexico.

To better monitor and predict space weather, NASA plans to launch multiple missions, including IMAP, Carruthers Geocorona Observatory, and NOAA's SWFO-L1, reflecting the importance of advanced space weather forecasting.