How do you predict the parameters of future solar cycles? What is the
role of dynamo theory in the cyclic activity of the Sun and similar
stars? And what are the implications of chaos theory for stellar cycles?
This book answers these questions and offers a timely review of studies
in the cyclic activity of the Sun and other stars. This authoritative
reference shows the importance of reliable predictions of the parameters
of future solar cycles, and carefully explains the methods currently
used to determine these (with special reference to the maximum of cycle
22). Some of the latest research into solar cycles is clearly presented;
this includes helioseismology, observations of the extended activity
cycle and the polar fields reversal, and contributions from dynamo
theory and chaos theory. For graduate students and researchers, this
monograph provides a much-needed synthesis of our understanding of
activity cycles in the Sun and other stars.