Solar Forecasting Decades Out

[Fraser]

SUMMARY: Solar astronomers are predicting a very low solar cycle 15 years from now, based on recent observations of the Sun. In the last few years, the Sun's Great Conveyor Belt - which transfers hot plasma around the star - has slowed to half its normal speed. According to simulations, the speed of this conveyor translates into sunspot activity 20 years in the future. Solar Cycle 25, which peaks in the year 2022, should be one of the weakest ever observed.

View full article
What do you think about this story? post your comments below.

[Melusine]

A weak solar cycle means they won't have to worry so much about solar flares and radiation storms.

On the other hand, they will have to worry more about cosmic rays. Cosmic rays are high-energy particles from deep space; they penetrate metal, plastic, flesh and bone. Astronauts exposed to cosmic rays develop an increased risk of cancer, cataracts and other maladies. Ironically, solar explosions, which produce their own deadly radiation, sweep away the even deadlier cosmic rays. As flares subside, cosmic rays intensify-yin, yang.

Note to self: Buy non-solar telescope by year 2022 to watch cosmic rays.

[holsemb]

what effect does sun-spot activity have on climate? does a more intense cycle (such as 24 is) increase global temperature on earth? if so how much of current problem would be ameliorated by a weak cycle as 25 is predicted to be?