During the low point in the sun's 11-year cycle, the magnetic field lines are more aligned with the poles, resulting in a relatively low number of sunspots. As the solar cycle progresses towards its peak, the magnetic activity increases, and sunspots become more numerous. At the peak of the solar cycle, sunspots tend to form in greater quantities, leading to increased solar activity.
During this phase of the solar cycle, intense bursts of radiation cause solar flares. These phenomena can release a substantial amount of energy in a short time and are often associated with coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Coronal mass ejections are massive bursts of solar wind and magnetic fields rising above the solar corona or being released into space. They can have significant effects on space weather, potentially disrupting satellites, communication systems, and power grids on Earth.