The 25th Cycle

Solar cycles have been observed for centuries by changes in the sun’s appearance. They can have effects on earth. Eruptions are responsible for terrestrial phenomena such as auroras. Extreme ones can even affect electricity grids.

This audiovisual installation and performance use data from SILSO (the world data center for the production, preservation and dissemination of the international sunspot number) to create infinite variations of the 25th solar cycle. Daily sunspot numbers retracting the sun's activity since 1818 are being interpreted to create new solar cycles during which the sun's magnetic fields change as per the amount of activity on the sun's surface.

Comprising three main elements, the installation allows us to feel these changes through animated particle systems and a sound composition. The daily sunspot numbers detected since the beginning of the 19th century are being partially displayed too. Multiple sets of engraved plexiglass plates fill the installation room with representations of solar activity and its evolution through multiple cycles.

This work was realised within the framework of the European Media Art Platforms (EMAP) programme at RIXC (LV) with support of the Creative Europe Culture Programme of the European Union.