Sun may be starting next solar cycle even though its only halfway through current one [Video]

Scientists have spotted the first signs of the Sun starting its next activity cycle even though it is only halfway through its current one, a discovery that could help better model solar storms.

The Sun goes through 11-year cycles during which the number of sunspots and the intensity of solar activity increase and reach a peak, bringing the highest likelihood of intense solar storms.

It is now approaching peak activity, or “solar maximum”, of its Cycle 25, called so as it is the 25th since 1755 when extensive recording of solar activity began.

While this cycle is not expected to end for another six years, scientists at the University of Birmingham have discovered the first signs of the next solar cycle.

During solar maximum, the sun flips its magnetic field and swaps …