Professor Of Physics & Mathematics at Northumbria University, Valentina Zharkova is a solar physicist.

In fact, she is probably the world’s leading solar physicist.

The sun is massive

Cartoon about global warming, comparing the size of Earth and the Sun

It is the primary driver of Earth’s changing climate.

This isn’t debatable.

Its sheer size and power have a profound impact on our planet’s climate system.

Think about the sun’s vast energy. It’s a huge, fiery ball of hot plasma (or whatever it is), and the energy it gives off far exceeds any other source of energy on Earth or in the solar system.

The sun’s energy reaches Earth in the form of electromagnetic radiation, which includes visible light, ultraviolet (UV) rays, and infrared radiation. This energy is crucial for sustaining life, as it provides warmth and drives various climatic processes.

Sunspots

Another crucial factor in understanding Earth’s climate is sunspots.

Sunspots are dark, cooler regions that periodically appear on the sun’s surface.

They follow an approximately 11-year pattern and, during periods of high sunspot activity, the sun emits more energy and solar radiation.

Which affects Earth’s overall temperature.

Meanwhile, and related to sunspots, solar flares are intense bursts of energy and radiation that occur on the sun’s surface.

The study of the sun’s magnetic field and its solar flares is crucial for understanding the dynamics of the solar system and the impact on Earth’s climate.

Eugene Parker

They are often associated with the sudden release of magnetic energy in the form of a bright flash and a surge of high-energy particles. Solar flares can emit X-rays, ultraviolet radiation and charged particles which can have a significant impact on Earth’s upper atmosphere and can potentially disrupt satellite communications, power grids, and other technological systems, as well as the climate.

The stronger the magnetic fields in sunspots, the more likely solar flares will occur in those regions.

Essentially, sunspots can be seen as the birthplaces of solar flares.

It is profoundly self-important and arrogant to presume that humans are more powerful than the sun.

The sun’s immense power is the cornerstone of our solar system’s dynamics, driving the processes that make life on Earth possible.

Brian Cox

Human activity is laughable when compared to the sun’s activity.

Furthermore, the sun’s activity is not a constant variable; it is erratic (albeit predictable in a macro sense). In other words, when the sun sneezes, Earth fetches a tissue.

Here is my conversation with Valentina.

The sun is the ultimate source of energy for our planet. Its solar power drives weather, climate, and supports all living organisms.

James Hansen

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