Jupiter and solar cycles

[Torlack]

Has anyone had a chance to look into this? From my quick search of the web, it does seem that there is a weak correlation between the solar cycle and Jupiter's orbit. However, it seems that scientists are reluctant to say there is a causal relationship with the limited data available.

Anybody know more about this subject? Phil? You have any opinions?

What is the current theory about what actually causes the solar cycles?

 

[Walter Wayne]

Well until someone knowledgable gets here I just looked this up for interest's sake.

Jupiter Orbital period = 11.9 years
Solar Cycle period = 13 years ( if i recall)

So yes, it would be weak correlation if at all.

 

[Torlack]

The solar cycle is around 11 years long.

 

[phobos]

Well until someone knowledgable gets here I just looked this up for interest's sake.

Jupiter Orbital period = 11.9 years
Solar Cycle period = 13 years ( if i recall)

So yes, it would be weak correlation if at all.

The solar cycle is around eleven years, varying from 9.5 to 12.5; so, a slightly stronger match there.

The only means I could imagine by which Jupiter could influence the Sun would be gravitational; the tidal effect on the Sun's core would be greater with Jupiter at perihelion. Q: does the Jovian perihelion coincide with solar maximum? That said, it's hard to believe that something as small as Jupiter at such a distance could have such a significant effect on the Sun.

AFAIK nobody really knows what causes the 11-year cycle. If it was Jupiter somehow forcing it, though, I'd expect the cycle to be a lot more regular. Jupiter's orbit is nice and tidy; it doesn't have a two-year margin of error on its perihelions.

 

[Walter Wayne]

Thanks for the correction guys. Mea culpa.

Walt

 

[Torlack]

Duh, I should have posted my link to the information I was looking at.

An Influence by Jupiter on the Sunspot cycle?

Analysis by Timo Niroma

http://personal.eunet.fi/pp/tilmari/tilmari6.htm

Here is on of the graphs

 

[MRC_Hans]

Jupiter is small compared to the Sun, but it is also far away. Jupiter and the Sun are actually circling a common center of gravity that lies outside the Sun. So the sun is wobbling in its galactical orbit in a cycle matching the period of Jupiter.

What this has to do with Solar cycles, I have no idea, but if there is a connection, the causal relationship has to be Jupiter influencing the Sun, since the orbital period of Jupiter cannot be influenced by solar cycles.

Hans