The Sun goes into hibernation, will the Earth usher in a new ice age?

By observing changes in the number of sunspots, scientists have discovered that solar activity shows periodic changes.

In the vastness of the universe, the Sun has always seemed to be Earth's most reliable ally. Yet, strangely, recent scientific research suggests that the Sun appears to be entering a dormant state, with its activity decreasing significantly. This shocking discovery raises an intriguing question: Are we headed for a new Ice Age?

Solar Inactivity and Its Effects: Cooling the Earth

With the advancement of science and technology and human exploration of space, our understanding of the Sun is becoming deeper and deeper. The Sun is the source of life for all things on Earth, and its energy maintains the Earth's temperature and climate. However, recent research suggests that  the Sun may fall into a state of hibernation , which will have profound consequences for the Earth.

The sun is one of the essential conditions for the existence of life on Earth. Its light and heat provide energy for the Earth and maintain the Earth's climate and environment. (Photo: ZME).

By observing changes in the number of sunspots, scientists have discovered that the Sun's activity shows periodic changes.  Each cycle lasts about 11 years or so and is called a solar cycle.  During the active period, the number of sunspots is large, the intensity of the Sun's radiation is also high, during the inactive period, the number of sunspots gradually decreases and the intensity of the Sun's radiation is also weak.

After the Sun enters a dormant state, the intensity of solar radiation decreases, causing the Earth's temperature to drop . Solar radiation is the main source of heat in the Earth's atmosphere and surface. When solar radiation decreases, the heat supply to the Earth's surface decreases, causing the Earth's temperature to drop. This decrease in temperature can cause irreversible effects on the Earth's ecosystems, climate, and melting glaciers.

The global climate system is a complex web of interactions, with solar radiation being a key factor. Decreased solar radiation can alter atmospheric circulation patterns, which in turn affect global climate patterns. For example, some regions may experience colder winters with more snowfall, while other regions may become drier.

Many plants and animals grow and reproduce under the radiation and temperature conditions of the Sun. Reduced solar radiation can lead to limited plant growth, affecting the balance of food chains and biodiversity. In addition, the Sun's sleep time can also interfere with the migration and reproduction habits of some animals , adversely affecting their ability to survive and reproduce.

According to scientists' research, the Sun may also enter a long-term hibernation state, which will negatively impact agriculture and the ecological environment. (Photo: NPR)

Solar hibernation  could exacerbate global warming . While reduced solar activity will cause Earth's temperatures to drop, it does not mean that the global warming trend will be reversed. Human-caused greenhouse gas emissions remain the main cause, and solar hibernation will only provide temporary relief from the global warming trend. However, the drop in temperatures after solar hibernation could exacerbate problems associated with climate change, such as rising sea levels and increased extreme weather events.

Prolonged cold weather

The principle of periodic solar hibernation and the discovery that the Sun has an approximately 11-year cycle of activity changes, including the number of sunspots, coronal activity, and solar flares. The cause of the Sun's inactivity is still an area that scientists cannot fully understand, but a growing body of observational data and simulation experiments support this hypothesis.

After the Sun enters a dormant state, the decrease in solar radiation intensity will cause the Earth's temperature to drop. (Photo: Zhihu)

Research shows that when the Sun is not active, it emits less energy, causing temperatures on Earth to drop. The reduced solar radiation could cause Earth to enter a period of cold climate, similar to the Little Ice Age. The Little Ice Age refers to the period from the 14th to the 19th century when Earth's temperatures were relatively low. This could have had a significant impact on life on Earth and the environment.

Plant growth cycles may become shorter and vegetation cover may decrease, affecting the food supply for herbivores. Colder climates may also lead to changes in animal migrations and some species may become threatened with extinction.

Crop production would be limited, leading to scarce food supplies, famine, and social unrest. Colder climates could also lead to the spread of infectious diseases, as pathogens spread more easily at lower temperatures. At the same time, the energy demands of human society would increase, as humans would need more energy to keep warm.

Farming was limited, leading to food shortages, the risk of famine and social unrest. (Photo: Zhihu).

Negative impacts on agriculture and ecology

Solar inactivity leads to unusual climate changes. Solar activity is closely related to climate change. Temperature and radiation from solar flares affect the Earth's climate system.

When the Sun is not active, solar radiation decreases. This will cause the average temperature on Earth to decrease and the climate to become colder. Cold climates will adversely affect the growth and development of crops and reduce crop yields. At the same time, cold climates can also affect the supply and distribution of water resources, further affecting the stability of agricultural production.

Reduced solar activity means reduced solar radiation, which will affect the photosynthesis of plants. Photosynthesis is a process of synthesizing nutrients carried out by plants by absorbing sunlight and carbon dioxide. It not only provides energy for plants but also produces oxygen.

However, if solar radiation is reduced, the photosynthesis of plants will be inhibited, which will significantly affect the balance of the ecosystem. Plant growth is limited, other organisms in the food chain will also be affected, leading to ecosystem instability and reduced biodiversity.