
The Sun is expected to get colder, which will very likely lead to lower temperatures on Earth too.
STATES CHRONICLE – According to a new study, the Sun could get colder by mid-century. The team of scientists reached this conclusion after studying the 11-years long solar cycles.
Based on the most recent ones, there is a real possibility that a grand minimum could happen soon. This is mostly because the sunspot pattern in the cycles is downward. The Sun typically passes through periods of solar minimums and maximums, when its activity is either lower or higher.
Also, the scientists behind the study claim that what is happening now is very similar to the period that preceded the 17th Century mini ice age.
The Sun to Get Colder How Will this Impact the Climate?
According to the study results, Earth might become 0.25 percent cooler between 2020 and 2070. This means that the planet’s surface will most likely also cool.
Now, does this mean that we might be receiving salvation from global warming at the cost of smaller temperatures? Experts do not think so, but this phenomenon will surely help slow it down and lessen its effects, claim scientists.
The study team declares that this grand minimum effect represents only a fraction of the consequences that climate change is causing right now.
There is also another important phenomenon that happens when the energy of the Sun becomes less powerful. The planet’s stratospheric ozone layer also becomes thinner.
What follows is a change in the temperature structure of the stratosphere. In turn, this also leads to modifications in the lower atmosphere. This means that Earth’s wind and weather patterns might also suffer modifications.
Some experts believe that the grand minimum might actually be offering a natural solution to climate change. However, this is not an entirely positive thing. At least not when taking into consideration that it might trigger floodings, a rise in sea levels, and even the extinction of some species.
Dan Lubin, the study lead, said that while nothing is sure at the moment, at least the science world has a benchmark. One that could help experts do a better job when it comes to climate model simulations.
Image Source: MaxPixel