ON SOLAR-ACTIVITY AND THE SOLAR-CYCLE - A NEW ANALYSIS OF THE BUTTERFLY DIAGRAM OF SUNSPOTS

The present paper discusses the duration of solar activity through the active regions from 1981 to 1992. In analyzing the beginning of Cycle 22, we found we had to include in this cycle the reversed-polarity ac tive regions (RPARs) of the decreasing phase of Cycle 21. In fact, RPA Rs appear as soon as the magnetic polarity of the poles changes, i.e. beginning with the maximum of the previous cycle. Then, analyzing the decrease in Cycle 21, we had to extend this cycle, by including the RP ARs of Cycle 22, up to the following maximum. When viewed this way, us ing data - the active regions - that is homogenous, the whole interpre tation of the cycle changes, because the duration becomes 22 years, th e change occurs at the same time as the pole polarity, and the source of the magnetic field is located in the equatorial region. In conclusi on, we formulate a ''Hale-Babcock'' law that expresses the magnetic po larity changes of the poles and of the active regions through a comple te 22-year cycle.