The solar activity cycle

Abstract

This thesis reviews the currently accepted theories of solar activity along with a new conflicting theory. The current theory due to Babcock and Leighton is outlined along with the supporting evidence and then the new theory due to Wolff. The new theory is claimed to be well supported by solar activity data so the data is reviewed and analysed to determine how well founded the claimed support actually is. It is found that the basis of support for the new theory, the relative sunspot numbers ,do not in fact provide the support claimed. It is also shown that the new theory at present, is not able to explain many of the observed phenomena of the activity cycle.