- A new study indicates that solar storms can cause rapid and intense changes to Earth 's atmosphere within hours to days.
- University of New Hampshire physicist Joachim Raeder's research – published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters – suggests “the severity of these effects is closely linked to the intensity of the storms themselves and can vary depending on regional factors”.
- The Sun is currently at the peak of its 11-year activity cycle, which could influence global climate and weather, Dr Raeder said.
- Raeder's analysis of 67 years of data revealed correlations, including diminished rainfall and snowfall in areas like the Rocky Mountains and Hudson Bay after significant solar storms.
- Dr Raeder speculates that radiation from solar flares penetrates the atmosphere via the polar vortex, with solar storms potentially altering atmosphere features such as air pressure, precipitation and local temperatures.
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