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There is a growing body of evidence, from direct measurements, and from the studies of previous solar cycles, that we may be moving toward a large reduction (comparatively 0.25% is large) in solar output. The output of the sun has risen for over 100 years and it is only now, in our ultramodern space age with many instruments measuring the sun on a daily basis that we are starting to understand our nearby unlicensed thermonuclear reactor. If the predictions of many scientists are true, then we may be moving into a minimum period of solar activity for at least 22-25 years. This is a good thing, at least for now. It gives us time to get off of oil, if that is your culprit, without completely destroying the global economy.
To say that this will have an impact on the global warming debate is an understatement. This is a slow building controversy and here is where you are hearing the first rumbles. The new solar cycle has not started and may not for another year. If this is the case, then just about the time of the next election, watch the fur fly.
For some of us this is the definitive empirical test of whether or not our recent warming period is driven primarily by the sun or by the emission of CO2 and other infrared absorbing gasses. To others this will be a distraction that will be fought against tooth and nail. However, temperatures cannot, beyond a certain boundary, lie and we will know within a few years what the future brings. For the full flower it may take 20 years but it will happen and the controversy will continue to build, hysterical wailing about disappearing ice not withstanding.
Here is a link to the graphs that convey some of the information.
http://solarscience.auditblogs.com/c...olar-cycle-24/
To say that this will have an impact on the global warming debate is an understatement. This is a slow building controversy and here is where you are hearing the first rumbles. The new solar cycle has not started and may not for another year. If this is the case, then just about the time of the next election, watch the fur fly.
For some of us this is the definitive empirical test of whether or not our recent warming period is driven primarily by the sun or by the emission of CO2 and other infrared absorbing gasses. To others this will be a distraction that will be fought against tooth and nail. However, temperatures cannot, beyond a certain boundary, lie and we will know within a few years what the future brings. For the full flower it may take 20 years but it will happen and the controversy will continue to build, hysterical wailing about disappearing ice not withstanding.
Here is a link to the graphs that convey some of the information.
http://solarscience.auditblogs.com/c...olar-cycle-24/
Dalton Minimum from Wiki - The Dalton Minimum was a period of low solar activity, lasting from about 1790 to 1820. Like the Maunder Minimum and Sporer Minimum it coincided with a period of lower than average global temperatures. Low solar activity seems to be strongly correlated with global cooling, although the mechanism by which solar activity causes climate change is not well understood.
If this does happen, the whole climate change debate may be settled sooner than we think. All eyes are on the sun - perhaps our CO2 may save us after all.
and help the supply & demand problem
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