Abstract The maximum amplitude (Rm ) of a solar cycle, in the term of mean sunspot numbers, is well-known to be positively correlated with the preceding minimum (Rmin ). So far as the long term trend is concerned, a low level of Rmin tends to be followed by a weak Rm , and vice versa. We found that the evidence is insufficient to infer a very weak Cycle 24 from the very low Rmin in the preceding cycle. This is concluded by analyzing the correlation in the temporal variations of parameters for two successive cycles.

Keywords Sun: activity — Sun: general — sunspots

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