The Split Janus-faced Sun: Magnetic Rhythm and Duality in the Solar Cycle

TL;DR

This paper reveals a fundamental magnetic duality in the solar cycle, identifying two distinct magnetic populations that operate in opposing phases, shaping the Sun's activity in a Janus-like duality across latitudes.

Contribution

It uncovers a previously unknown magnetic dichotomy in the Sun's full-disk magnetic field, demonstrating dual-phase behavior of two magnetic populations throughout the solar cycle.

Findings

Identification of two magnetic populations: SG and WG.

Opposing phase behavior at different latitudes.

Global modulation of solar activity by the Janus cycle.

Abstract

The solar cycle - most notably characterized by its sunspot activity patterns - serves as a cornerstone of heliospheric physics. This research uncovers a fundamental magnetic dichotomy in the Sun's full-disk field, identifying two functionally separate populations: the Strong-Field Group (SG) and Weak-Field Group (WG). The solar cycle exhibits a dual nature, much like Janus, with the SG and WG operating in opposing phases regardless of low or high latitudes. The SG-dominated cycle represents one facet of this duality and is visually prominent at the solar surface. It is well-established that this component synchronizes with the sunspot cycle at low latitudes but operates in anti-phase at high latitudes. In contrast, the WG-driven cycle acts as its hidden counterpart, functioning in opposition to the SG at both high and low latitudes -- a behavior that had not been identified until now. Influenced by these magnetic field groups, this dual nature permeates the entire solar atmosphere, revealing that the full-disk solar activity is globally modulated by the Janus cycle.