9 Feb 2026

The Earth’s global electric circuit, driven by lightning strikes and solar activity, is experiencing increased electrification. This is due to factors like rising solar activity since solar cycle 24, anthropogenic forces, and potential future increases in lightning strike activity. The ionosphere, a layer of charged particles, plays a crucial role in this circuit, with its electric field potential influencing energy flow between the Earth’s surface and the ionosphere.

The sun’s activity, particularly solar flares and storms, significantly impacts Earth’s global electric circuit. This circuit, influenced by ion precipitation from the sun and Earth’s magnetosphere, affects the ionosphere and, consequently, phenomena like radio transmission. As solar activity increases, so does the complexity of the global electric circuit, po ...