The Sun and the Earth's Climate

• DOI: 10.12942/lrsp-2007-2
• Publication Date: 2013-04-03T09:48:19Z
• Authors: Joanna D. Haigh
• Keywords: Solar constant; Sunspot; Solar maximum; Solar variation; Solar cycle 22; Solar minimum

Variations in solar activity, at least as observed numbers of sunspots, have been apparent since ancient times but to what extent variability may affect global climate has far more controversial. The subject had and out fashion for two centuries the current need distinguish between natural anthropogenic causes change brought it again forefront meteorological research. absolute radiometers carried by satellites late 1970s produced indisputable evidence that total irradiance varies systematically over 11-year sunspot cycle, relegating history term "solar constant", is difficult explain how response Sun, seen many records, can be about these rather small changes radiation. This article reviews some a influence on lower atmosphere discusses mechanisms whereby Sun produce significant impacts than might surmised from consideration only variations irradiance.