Wednesday 3 June 2009

A Wind that blows so strong


In our solar system, the Sun continuously emits a stream of charged particles which is the so termed 'solar wind' against which the Earth's magnetosphere acts as barrier. However the solar wind also acts as a defence against a range of cosmic rays which come into the solar system and which potentially could be harmful to both spacecraft and astronauts alike. Currently the sun has been going through what is perceived as an active phase, generally thought to measure between 95 years and a 116 years in duration. According to current measurement, this phase has already been progressing for the past 80 years meaning that a lower level of activity or general lull could occur around 2020. Whether the Sun does lull in activity or not, it does not impact on climate change or carbon emissions which remain a terrestrial concern.

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