Citizen Science During Solar Maximum — Contribute Real Data
Solar maximum offers amateur astronomers a unique opportunity to contribute scientifically valuable observations. One of the most straightforward ways is through sunspot counting and classification. The Royal Observatory of Belgium's SIDC publishes a daily sunspot number based on a network of volunteer observers worldwide. You can submit your own sunspot counts using a telescope with a solar filter, following the standard Wolf number calculation: R = k(10g + s), where g is the number of sunspot groups and s is the number of individual spots. Your observations directly contribute to the international sunspot index that tracks the progression of Solar Cycle 25.
Another valuable activity is monitoring solar flare activity through radio signals. Sudden Ionospheric Disturbances (SIDs) caused by solar flares can be detected using a Very Low Frequency (VLF) radio receiver — a project that costs under $50 in parts. When a solar flare erupts, the increased X-ray flux ionises Earth's lower ionosphere, causing a sudden change in VLF radio signals from distant navigation transmitters. By recording these changes, you contribute to a global network of flare monitors. For observers with Hα solar telescopes, reporting prominence and filament activity to the ALPO Solar Section provides ground-truth data that complements satellite observations.
The Sun during solar maximum also offers an excellent opportunity for solar astrophotography. A DSLR camera with a 400mm+ telephoto lens and a white-light solar filter can capture detailed images of sunspot groups, revealing the granulation pattern of the photosphere. For more advanced imaging, a dedicated hydrogen-alpha telescope like the Lunt LS50 or Coronado PST reveals prominences arching above the solar limb, filaments winding across the disc, and flare activity that changes in real time. Even smartphone afocal photography through a solar-filtered eyepiece can produce surprisingly good results — the key is steady focus and a solid tripod. During solar maximum, the Sun offers new features every day, making it the only astronomical target that changes noticeably within a single observing session. This makes it particularly rewarding for sharing with children and newcomers to astronomy, who can see sunspots one evening and return the next night to find them in a different position or with a changed structure.
For those interested in advanced solar observation, the 2026 solar maximum coincides with several major solar events that are being tracked by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) and the European Space Agency's Solar Orbiter mission. These spacecraft provide near-real-time data on sunspot activity, coronal mass ejections, and solar flare intensity, allowing amateur observers to plan their viewing sessions around known active regions. By checking the SDO website or the Space Weather Live app before an observing session, you can identify which sunspot groups are currently visible and target the most interesting regions on the Sun's disc. This synergy between space-based and ground-based observation is one of the most exciting aspects of solar astronomy during the maximum phase.
Looking ahead, the current solar maximum serves as a reminder that the Sun is a dynamic, ever-changing star. Even after the peak of Cycle 25 passes, elevated solar activity will continue through 2027 and into 2028, with aurora visible at lower-than-normal latitudes and sunspot groups regularly crossing the solar disc. For anyone who has never observed the Sun through a properly filtered telescope, this is the perfect time to start observing — the combination of high activity levels, accessible equipment, and the opportunity to contribute to citizen science makes solar observing during the 2024–2028 period uniquely rewarding. Whether you are an experienced observer or a complete beginner, the active Sun of Solar Cycle 25 offers daily wonders that connect you directly to the most important star in our sky. Bookmark this page and return throughout the year as solar activity evolves — we will continue to update our solar maximum coverage with the latest sunspot counts, aurora forecasts, and observing tips for every stage of the cycle. The Sun never repeats itself, and neither will your experience of observing it during this extraordinary period of peak activity. Solar Cycle 25 is your invitation to discover the star that makes all life on Earth possible — one sunspot, one flare, and one aurora at a time. Each day brings a new view, and there has never been a better time to start watching.
