Science has only just begun to understand how cyclical changes in the Sun effect Earth's weather and climate. But the more technological human society grows, the more vulnerable we may become.
Activity on the Sun is due to reach its peak around early 2014, so expect more flares, eruptions and ejections for the next few years. Early predictions say the estimated Sun activity between 2020-2030 may not be nearly as intense as the 2000-teens. (Space.com)
Powered by a hydromagnetic dynamo process, driven by the inductive action of internal solar flows, the solar cycle:
- Structures the Sun's atmosphere, its corona and the wind;
- Modulates the solar irradiance;
- Modulates the flux of short-wavelength solar radiation, from ultraviolet to X-ray;
- Modulates the occurrence frequency of solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and other geoeffective solar eruptive phenomena;
- Indirectly modulates the flux of high-energy galactic cosmic rays entering the solar system.
Solar Influences Data Analysis Center
Solar Cycle 24 Panel: Summary of Panel Findings
