“The most striking aspect of the model is that it is, for the most part, relatively simple,” says Dr. Holloman. “The patterns observed in the solar magnetic fields aren’t the result of applying some obscure mathematical functions. The algorithm is based on things like peaks and troughs in solar cycles or the absolute strength of one of the poles at a particular time. Such simple models are more often predictive than more complex models.”
The relationship described here “may be linked to the electrical connections between the Earth and the Sun,” according to Dr. Kongpop U-yen. “After looking at the complete data set, it is not difficult for anyone to see that there is a connection. To be sure we did not fool ourselves, we back up this finding using verifiable statistical analysis.” The scientific field has been making a move to integrate electromagnetic and electrostatic elements into the general discourse, and the team believes that these papers fall in that same vein of progress.
The studies also suggest that interplanetary magnetic fields associated with lower-latitude coronal holes, especially those attached to polar coronal hole structures, may also provide avenues for further study, along with alternative ways to monitor this field activity, such as the intensity of the solar wind associated with the coronal holes. Commenting further on the simplicity of the algorithm, Davidson notes, “We look at extremes in magnetism and reversal of polarity – it is actually quite simple.”