Comparative Magnetic Minima (IAU S286): Characterizing Quiet Times in the Sun and Stars

IAU Symposium 286 presents authoritative reviews and the latest results on characterizing the quietest periods of solar and stellar magnetic activity cycles, from generative dynamo mechanisms to in-depth analyses of recent well-observed and well-modeled minima. Specific topics covered include effects on Earth such as the Maunder Minimum and Little Ice Ages associated with a period of extended, or 'grand', minima, and how magnetic fields can be cyclically generated in solar and stellar interiors via dynamo processes. Studies of activity cycles in Sun-like and nearby stars help to place the Sun's cycles in a universal context. IAU S286 is unique in bringing together a diverse group of scientists from different disciplines to uncover common aspects of the physical processes involved in different environments from the Sun to Earth, and stars to planets.