In this program- Observing the Sun: The Waning Days of Solar Cycle 24, David Teske discusses the recent decline in sunspot numbers as Solar Cycle 24 winds down. 24 solar cycles have been recorded since 1755, when extensive solar sunspot activity recording began. Recent observations indicate that a transitional phase to Solar Cycle 25 is in progress. Though a mostly quiet period, there was remarkable solar activity around the time of the August 21, 2017 Great American Solar Eclipse, including the largest solar flares in a decade. These quiet solar periods are well-suited for amateur astronomers to perfect their observing techniques in preparation for recording a more active Sun in a few years.

David Teske is a long-time amateur astronomer who specializes in lunar and solar astronomy, as well as public outreach programs. He has worked as the assistant planetarium director at the Alworth Planetarium in Duluth, Minnesota, the assistant director at the Davis Planetarium in Jackson, Mississippi, and has presented numerous astronomy programs at the Rainwater Observatory, nature centers, and schools.

Teske has been observing the sun almost every clear day since 1979. In that time, he has made over 8,600 drawings of the sun showing sunspots, faculae, prominences, and solar flares. In that time, he has observed the rise and fall of recent 11 year solar cycles.

From the June 7, 2019 Memphis Astronomical Society Meeting.

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Memphis Astronomical Society meets first Friday each month at Christian Brothers University. 8:00PM CST.

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