Sunspots reaching 1,000-year high

[Ivan Seeking]

A new analysis shows that the Sun is more active now than it has been at anytime in the previous 1,000 years.
Scientists based at the Institute for Astronomy in Zurich used ice cores from Greenland to construct a picture of our star's activity in the past.

They say that over the last century the number of sunspots rose at the same time that the Earth's climate became steadily warmer.

This trend is being amplified by gases from fossil fuel burning, they argue. [continued]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3869753.stm

 

[Evo]

Very interesting article Ivan, thanks!

 

[ravenprp]

This is a significant finding that adds to our understanding of the Sun's activity over long periods of time. The use of ice cores from Greenland to study past sunspot activity is a unique approach that provides valuable insights into the behavior of our star. It is remarkable that the Sun is now more active than it has been in the past 1,000 years, and this raises important questions about the potential impact on our planet.

The correlation between increased sunspot activity and a warming Earth is also noteworthy. While the Sun has always played a major role in Earth's climate, this research suggests that human activities, such as fossil fuel burning, may be amplifying the effects of natural solar cycles. This is a powerful reminder of the need to address climate change and reduce our carbon footprint.

Further research and analysis will be needed to fully understand the implications of this study. It is crucial that we continue to monitor and study the Sun's activity, as it has a direct impact on our planet and our way of life. This new information should be taken into consideration when making decisions about our energy sources and how to mitigate the effects of climate change.