Over the past two years the amount of solar flares and explosions on the surface of the Sun has been exceptionally high, but the activity is now beginning to ebb. This is actually quite normal; the Sun typically goes through phases of increased activity every 11.3 years, a phenomenon known as the solar cycle. Although it is a natural occurrence, changes in the level of solar radiation may have profound effects on Earth's weather. Researchers are predicting that the sun's decreased activity may result in fewer clouds over much of the United States and a southward shift in storm patterns in the next few years. Long-term changes in solar activity on the order of centuries apparently alter Earth's climate as well (although many scientists believe that recent global warming is caused not primarily by solar changes but by human activity).
Higher up, Earth's protective ozone layer may receive a much-needed break from the intense barrage of radiation now that the peak is past. The dip in solar radiation will make spacewalking safer for astronauts, and will deflate Earth's atmosphere, making it easier to maintain the orbit of the International Space Station. Understanding how events originating in space influence life on Earth is a major theme of astrobiology.
Jan 09, 2002 | SCIENCE
Radiation from Space May Affect Biological Evolution
(UT Austin) - Bursts of radiation from the Sun, from supernovae, or from deep space might wipe out life on other planets. Then again, they might speed up life's evolution.
Oct 26, 2001 | SCIENCE
'Tis the Season for Auroras
(NASA) - Autumn is a good time to spot Northern Lights, and scientists would like to know why.
Apr 03, 2001 | SCIENCE
Solar storm brings northern lights to Texas, Georgia, San Jose
(Space.com) - The display was caused by a solar flare striking Earth's magnetosphere.
Jul 17, 2000 | SCIENCE, MISSIONS, TECHNOLOGIES
First pair of Cluster II satellites launched
(ESA) - A total of four satellites will fly in formation, studying how the Sun and the Earth interact
Mar 31, 2000 | SCIENCE
Sun's rotation may be a factor in solar storms
(BBC) - Inside the Sun, two layers of gas take turns spinning around the core.
Mar 27, 2000 | MISSIONS
Space Weather Satellite Blasts Off
(Science@NASA) - The IMAGE satellite may dramatically advance our understanding of the magnetosphere, which protects the Earth from solar radiation.
Feb 06, 2000 | SCIENCE
Small sunspot, big flare
(Science@NASA) - One of the brightest solar flares of the current cycle erupted this weekend from a relatively small sunspot group.
Feb 03, 2000 | SCIENCE
Solar smoke rings
(Science@NASA) - The Sun put on a dynamic show this week with a series of swirling coronal mass ejections.
Dec 28, 1999 | SCIENCE
Solar wind squeezes Earth's magnetosphere
(Science@NASA) - New data display shows how energy carried on the solar wind squeezes Earth's magnetosphere.
Nov 10, 1999 | SCIENCE
New scale of space storms unveiled
(SpaceViews) - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced unveiled
a new scale for measuring the intensity of emissions from the Sun.
Oct 15, 1999 | SCIENCE
Eruptions on the Sun
(Science@NASA) - The space-based SOHO observatory has recorded dazzling eruptions on the Sun.
