Polar Activity of the Sun and Latitudinal Activity Drifts in Cycles 15–24

Abstract

The solar activity at different latitudes is analyzed based on daily observations at Kodaikanal, Mount Wilson, Sacramento Peak, and Meudon observatories in the CaIIK line. Activity elements of various sizes, from the elements of the chromospheric network to the flocculi, are identified. A joint database of observation results that provides information on solar activity for 1905–2018 is created. Bright elements at middle and high latitudes are distinguished in the CaIIK line in daily images, in addition to the low-latitude activity that accompanies the appearance of sunspots. The activity can be represented as a single process that begins at high latitudes during the decline phase of the previous solar cycle and continues at low latitudes as sunspot activity. The activity-drift pattern is studied for Cycles 14–24. It is more consistent with the hypothesis of an extended solar cycle than the concept of two activity waves from the midlatitudes to poles and equator obtained from the processing of faculae in white light.