Pinning Down the Sun-Climate Connection: Solar influence extends beyond warm, sunny days

摘要

The solar flares that spew massive amounts of energy and particles earthward are notorious for the havoc they can wreak on satellites, power grids, and our planet's magnetic field (SN: 1/13/01, p. 26). The charged particles thatrnslam into the outer fringes of the atmosphere also ionize the air and stimulate shimmering auroras. During periods of increased solar activity, particularly during high-points of the 11-year sunspot cycle, these breathtaking sky shows often appear far south of their normal Arctic venues.