Is the Sun Going Through a Period of Weakening?

In summary, the sun is currently undergoing dynamic changes at various scales, resulting in a weakening of its features. Ulysses has reported a significant drop in solar wind pressure, while IBEX has noted a decrease in ENA intensity in the heliosheath. In addition, three new lines of research suggest that the sunspot cycle may be shutting down for a while. However, this is likely a cyclical occurrence and should not be cause for alarm. Speculation about the potential effects of these changes, including a possible Little Ice Age, is not scientifically supported at this time.
  • #1
Dotini
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No doubt the core, photosphere, and corona are all integral features of the sun. The solar wind and heliosheath come under similar consideration. Currently it appears certain solar features at several scales are undergoing dynamic changes which look something like weakening.

Ulysses has reported a 50 year low in solar wind pressure, a drop of more than 20%.
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2008/23sep_solarwind/

More recently, IBEX noted a 10%-15% reduction of ENA intensity in the heliosheath.
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/ibex/news/solar-boundary.html

Now three new lines of research point toward the sunspot cycle shutting down for a while.
http://www.astromart.com/news/news.asp?news_id=1196
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2011-181&cid=release_2011-181

I'm not trying to make any kind of point or big deal about any of this, as it's all likely to be cyclical business as usual out there, although solar scientists, commodities traders and climate arguers might perk up at the news.

"Prediction is very hard, especially about the future." --Yogi Berra

Respectfully submitted,
Steve
 
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  • #2
IMHO, another Little Ice Age, with its crop-failures and famine, would NOT be a good thing...

Due to forum guidelines, I will not speculate further...
 
  • #3
Nik_2213 said:
IMHO, another Little Ice Age, with its crop-failures and famine, would NOT be a good thing...

Due to forum guidelines, I will not speculate further...

Speculation is only bad when you run off the path of known science to complete "what if's" that can't possibly be known yet.

Personally I wonder if the global warming effect we've made for ourselves would protect us against this a bit.
 

1. Is the Sun's weakening caused by human activity?

No, the Sun's weakening is a natural process that has been observed throughout history. It is not caused by human activity.

2. How long has the Sun been going through this period of weakening?

The Sun's weakening has been observed for several decades, with some scientists suggesting it may have started in the late 1990s.

3. What are the potential effects of the Sun's weakening on Earth?

The Sun's weakening could potentially lead to a decrease in solar activity, resulting in cooler temperatures and changes in weather patterns. However, the effects are still being studied and are not yet fully understood.

4. Is there any way to reverse or stop the Sun's weakening?

No, the Sun's weakening is a natural process that cannot be reversed or stopped. It is a cycle that the Sun goes through periodically.

5. How do scientists study the Sun's weakening?

Scientists study the Sun's weakening by observing changes in solar activity, such as sunspots and solar flares, and measuring the amount of energy emitted by the Sun. They also use advanced technology, such as satellites and telescopes, to gather data and analyze patterns and trends over time.

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