Solar Minimum 2020: What Is It, Does It Impact Climate & Other FAQs About The Sun’s Cyclical Phase

The Sun, the star closest to Earth and which supports life on Earth - has reached Solar Minimum. "The Sun has been without spots for 18 consecutive days–a sign that Solar Minimum is underway," the website Space Weather wrote. It has also been 100 days in total that the Sun has displayed any sunspots which is indicative of a Solar Minimum. NASA says that about every 11 years, “sunspots fade away, bringing a period of relative calm.” This could lead to a slight dip in temperatures but not to an Ice Age like many are referring to on social media. Scientists have previously said that more factors than just variations in the Sun’s output change global temperatures on Earth, the most dominant of those today being greenhouse gas emissions. We list out basic facts about solar minimum, solar cycle, its impact on Earth and other frequently asked questions.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 20, 2020 11:16 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).