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Solar cycle 20

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Comparison with other cycles shows that geomagnetic activity during the declining phase of cycle 20 (1973–1975) was unusually high. Heavy solar activity was a factor in causing the earlier-than-expected atmospheric reentry of Skylab in 1979.

Data from solar cycle 20 was used to build the K-1974 solar proton fluence model, used for planning space missions during solar cycle 21.

August 1972 solar storm

An extremely active active region, McMath 11976, produced a historic series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) in August 1972. One CME traveled to Earth in a record low of 14.6 hours and produced a strong geomagnetic storm that caused widespread electrical and communications grid disturbances and the accidental detonation of numerous U.S. Navy magnetic sea mines in North Vietnam.

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