Solar cycle 12

Solar cycle 12
Sunspots recorded during solar cycle 12 (1 September 1883).
Sunspot data
Start date	December 1878
End date	March 1890
Duration (years)	11.3
Max count	124.4
Max count month	December 1883
Min count	3.7
Spotless days	736
Cycle chronology
Previous cycle	Solar cycle 11 (1867-1878)
Next cycle	Solar cycle 13 (1890-1902)

Solar cycle 12 was the twelfth solar cycle since 1755, when extensive recording of solar sunspot activity began. The solar cycle lasted 11.3 years, beginning in December 1878 and ending in March 1890. The maximum smoothed sunspot number (SIDC formula) observed during the solar cycle was 124.4 (December 1883), and the starting minimum was 3.7. During the minimum transit from solar cycle 12 to 13, there were a total of 736 days with no sunspots. A very bright blood-red aurora display happened over New York on 16 April 1882, while significant communication disturbances occurred. A geomagnetic storm later in that year produced the aurora of November 17, 1882.