The Sun Is Spitting Out Strange Patterns of Gamma Rays—and No One Knows Why

[rangerrebew]

The Sun Is Spitting Out Strange Patterns of Gamma Rays—and No One Knows Why

    Date: 29/03/18
    Scientific American

Our closest star remains an enigma. Every 11 years or so its activity crescendos, creating flares and coronal mass ejections—the plasma-spewing eruptions that shower Earth with charged particles and beautiful auroral displays—but then it decrescendos. The so-called solar maximum fades toward solar minimum, and the sun’s surface grows eerily quiet.

Scientists have studied this ebb and flow for centuries, but only began understanding its effects on our planet at the dawn of the space age in the mid-20th century. Now it is clear that around solar maximum the sun is more likely to bombard Earth with charged particles that damage satellites and power grids. The solar cycle also plays a minor role in climate, as variations in irradiance can cause slight changes in average sea-surface temperatures and precipitation patterns. Thus, a better understanding of the cycle’s physical drivers is important for sustainable living on Earth.

https://www.thegwpf.com/the-sun-is-spitting-out-strange-patterns-of-gamma-rays-and-no-one-knows-why/

[Free Vulcan]

Is there a problem if my skin's turning green, I got some new rockin' biceps, my shirts don't fit anymore, and me want to smash things?