Stars explode affecting the weather on Earth

emitted from supernova explosions and the Sun's magnetic activity affects the weather on Earth.

The research group at the Danish Technical University found that ions derived from stars exploding in the universe () when entering the Earth's atmosphere will stimulate the formation of clouds. More created clouds will make the climate cooler, causing a big impact on long-term weather. The research results are published in Nature Communications in December 2017.

Cosmic rays are created from a giant supernova explosion.(Photo: NASA).

Scientists believe that cosmic rays associated with the Sun's activity are related to the 1000 Medieval Warm Period , and the cold period from the 13th-19th century. in Little Ice Age, making the Thames River (England) frequently frozen during the winter.

"We finally know how space-derived particles affect the climate on Earth. Modifications caused by the Sun's activity or supernova explosions can all be done. " - Henrik Svensmark - the study's lead author - said.

The team conducted 2 years of observing the effect of cosmic rays on the atmosphere simulated by the Earth inside the cloud chamber - a closed laboratory that simulates the pressure and humidity of the atmospheric highs. . They found high-energy particles derived from exploding stars that knocked out electrons of air molecules to create ions (positive or negative charged particles).

The charged particles will attract water molecules and sulfuric acid together to form a molecule that does not evaporate. This process is called nucleation . As molecular clusters grow, they will draw more water to form clouds.

The study also shows that the Sun's magnetic activity alters the flow of cosmic rays to Earth. As the Sun's magnetic field weakens, cosmic rays penetrate the Earth's atmosphere more, making the planet colder. During the active phase, the Sun's magnetic field prevents a lot of cosmic rays from flying to Earth, causing less cloudiness and warmer climate.