THE A T M O S P H E R I C R E S E R V O I R Examining the Atmosphere and Atmospheric Resource Management Checking in on 24 By Darin Langerud temperatures, it has not been Ever since proven that Galileo, among activity others, first observed was the absolute and correctly cause. explained in the year 1612, this So, if a change solar phenomenon in solar activity has been an area of is coming, what keen interest. The effects could we habitability of our expect to see as a planet is directly result? Some of related to the sun, the major impacts so understanding would be positive; solar processes is an for example, a important issue. reduced risk for volatile solar The current weather wreaking solar cycle havoc with officially began Solar Cycle 24 the least active since hundreds of - in January of 2008, when sunspot Solar Cycle 6, which ended in 1823. orbiting satellites, and a lower risk activity from the prior cycle had Recently reported research indicates of a major solar event that could completely diminished. This is the that several of the precursors of Solar disrupt the power grid. Another 24th cycle catalogued since 1755 Cycle 25 have not yet begun. This, effect could be slight global when recording officially began. A combined with the diminished current cooling as has been associated solar cycle typically begins with cycle, is causing some solar physicists with previously observed sunspot new sunspots that increase and then to speculate that the next cycle may be minima. decrease in number over an 11-year further reduced, or even stranger, to period. Increasing sunspot activity not occur at all. Of course, much of this is can lead to more frequent speculation. Forecasting solar Borealis (Northern Lights) and in While an interruption of the solar cycles, just like the weather, is extreme cases, geomagnetic storms cycle is unusual, it is not without an imperfect science. But, rest that can interfere with satellite precedent. From the period of 1645 assured that the twists and turns communications and power grids. to 1715, sunspots almost completely of our nearest star will be closely Cycle 24 is expected to peak in 2013 disappeared. This event, known watched. and then slowly diminish until its end as the Maunder Minimum, also around 2019. corresponded with the “Little Ice Age”, a period of global cooling of as Atmospheric Resource Board Solar Cycle 24 has been unusual much as one degree Celsius in parts North Dakota State Water Commission thus far; the latest prediction that it 900 East Boulevard, Bismarck, ND 58505 of Europe. Other more moderate (701) 328-2788 • http://swc.nd.gov will produce only about half of the periods of low sunspot activity have sunspots as the previous cycle. If this ND Weather Modification Association been observed, and though all have PO Box 2599, Bismarck, ND 58502 forecast is realized, it would make corresponded with cooler global (701) 223-4232

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