Hold onto your solar hats. Astronomers have reported sunspots are going into hibernation. Before we go into our usual panic mode, let’s first review all we know about sunspot hibernation.
Anyone?…
Okay, like you, I haven’t a clue. So, time to consult the experts on how this rare event will impact us humans.
According to Reuters, many are worried that a rare sunspot hibernation period, beginning in 2019, will trigger a mini ice age in the Northern Hemisphere.
Alarming, indeed, if that were the case, though it would seem to be an answer to our global warming problem. Once more we’d be free to engage in all the carbon polluting activities we like, and thumb all our collective noses at Mr. Gore’s efforts to save our planet. Wait, I think we’re doing that already, aren’t we?
Still, I’m not overly fond of ice ages, whether they be macro or mini in nature. So, perhaps it would be wise to consult a scientist for his expert opinion on the specific effects of a sunspot hibernation.
Frank Hill, a respected astronomer with the National Solar Observatory, was asked for his technical expertise, to which he replied: “We have predicted something going on with the Sun.”
Thank you, Frank Hill, for that illuminating response.
The Maunder Minimum, aptly named for the astronomer who discovered it, triggered a cooling trend in Europe known as “The Little Ice Age.”
At a meeting held in New Mexico with Hill and other scientists, the question arose as to whether the hibernation of sunspot activity they saw indicated an upcoming 70-year sunspot drought previously seen from 1645-1715, called The Maunder Minimum.
The Maunder Minimum, aptly named for the astronomer who discovered it, triggered a long, cooling trend in Europe known as “The Little Ice Age.” Many bloggers are deeply concerned we are headed for a similar fate.
According to Reuters, “Mr. Hill had no answer as to whether this might be true.” Thank you, once again, Mr. Hill and other scientists for your illuminating, expert response.
Mr. Hill did, however, go out on a limb to offer his personal opinion that the sunspot hibernation will not cause a Little Ice Age to occur. “There is only an anecdotal connection without a whole lot of scientific background behind it,” he said.
So, to review all the facts at hand:
Something’s going on with that darn sun of ours, scientists have no definitive answer as to whether we should stock-up on long underwear in the foreseeable future and if anyone starts seeing sunspots around the year 2019 and beyond, they should immediately get their eyes checked!