Energetic Particle and Other Space Weather Events of Solar Cycle 24

TL;DR

This paper compares space weather events of solar cycle 24 with cycle 23, highlighting significant differences such as fewer energetic particles, geomagnetic storms, and ground level enhancements, reflecting weaker solar activity.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive comparison of space weather phenomena between two solar cycles, emphasizing the impact of solar cycle strength on space weather events.

Findings

Fewer ground level enhancement events in cycle 24

Reduced geomagnetic storm occurrences during cycle 24

Overall weaker space weather activity in cycle 24

Abstract

We report on the space weather events of solar cycle 24 in comparison with those during a similar epoch in cycle 23. We find major differences in all space weather events: solar energetic particles, geomagnetic storms, and interplanetary shocks. Dearth of ground level enhancement (GLE) events and major geomagnetic storms during cycle 24 clearly standout. The space weather events seem to reflect the less frequent solar eruptions and the overall weakness of solar cycle 24.