Recurrence of the energy-dependent dipole-like anisotropy during the next solar maximum

Ascertain whether the solar activity maximum of cycle 25 (Max2) will produce a similar energy-dependent dipole-like pattern in solar disk gamma-ray emission as observed during the cycle 24 maximum (Max1), including whether the north–south polar excesses recur.

Background

The analysis identifies significant energy-dependent anisotropies during the cycle 24 solar maximum, with low-energy (5–20 GeV) events concentrated near the solar north pole and higher-energy (20–150 GeV) events concentrated near the south pole. These anisotropies coincide with the Sun’s polar magnetic field flip.

Whether this pattern is a persistent feature of solar maxima remains unknown and can be tested with continued Fermi-LAT observations during the ongoing cycle 25 (Max2) period.