The 25th Cycle

Figure 1. Florent Di Bartolo, The 25th Cycle, 2021.

Solar cycles have been observed for centuries by changes in the Sun’s appearance. A solar cycle affects activity on the surface of the Sun, such as sunspots which are caused by the Sun's magnetic fields. This activity can have effects on Earth. For example, eruptions can cause auroras, or impact radio communications. Extreme eruptions can even affect electricity grids on Earth.

This audiovisual installation uses 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.

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.

  • The 25th cycle, EMAP Garden: move to… ecosphere, Ars Electronica, sept. 2021.
  • The 25th cycle, Werkleitz Festival 2021 move to, Halle-sur-Saale, juill. 2021.

About the author

Florent Di Bartolo is an artist-researcher based in Paris. His work includes interactive installations, audiovisual performances and data visualizations, presented internationally (Ars Electronica, Werkleitz Festival, Criatech).

Solar cycles, electromagnetic fields and atmospheric conditions reach us in many ways, and measurement is one of them. With sensors and software he writes himself, he asks what form that measurement can take, and what it leaves outside the frame. He holds a PhD in Digital Art from Paris 8 University and teaches digital arts at Université Gustave Eiffel.