Solar Cycle 24
No, it’s not the latest green transportation method. Solar Cycle 24 refers to the 24th period of solar activity and sun spots we’ve tracked since the mid 1800′s. Now scientists are predicting it will be a relatively quiet one.
Expected to peak in May of 2013, the undulating storm surge on the surface of the sun will be the calmest since 1928. Does that matter?
Well, yes and yes. For one, solar activity has some impact on Earth’s climate, as our temperature and weather is a balance between the radiation hitting the earth, and the radiation reflected or radiated back into space. If you think of a bath tub with an open spigot and drain, you can raise the water level either by closing the drain, or turning up the spigot.
The greenhouse effect from carbon dioxide buildup is equivalent to blocking the drain, causing the water level (or temperature) to rise. But a quieter sun is like closing down the tap just a little. All other things being equal, the water level should go down.
There’s one other reason the solar cycle should be important to you:
Even a below-average cycle is capable of producing severe space weather,” points out Biesecker. “The great geomagnetic storm of 1859, for instance, occurred during a solar cycle of about the same size we’re predicting for 2013.”
The 1859 storm–known as the “Carrington Event” after astronomer Richard Carrington who witnessed the instigating solar flare–electrified transmission cables, set fires in telegraph offices, and produced Northern Lights so bright that people could read newspapers by their red and green glow.
Whew! Dodged a bullet there. It’s a good thing we don’t use telegraphs or read the newspaper anymore!
A recent report by the National Academy of Sciences found that if a similar storm occurred today, it could cause $1 to 2 trillion in damages to society’s high-tech infrastructure and require four to ten years for complete recovery. For comparison, Hurricane Katrina caused “only” $80 to 125 billion in damage.
Oh. I guess I spoke too soon. Um…. <puts on a tinfoil hat>
Can't get enough? Try these related posts:
