Solar Activity Suggests World May Face Mini Ice Age in 2030

Most scientists would insist that our planet is on a long-term warming trend, while others believe that Earth may actually be entering a new cooling phase. Those who suspect that the Earth is cooling typically believe that the sun has the most significant influence on our planet, and that by studying our star, we can predict the future climate of our planet.

The most recent prediction was presented by Professor Valentina Zharkova at the National Astronomy Meeting. She claims to have figured out how to precisely predict the Sun’s cycles. Scientists have known for more than a century that solar activity goes through roughly 10-12 year cycles, but Zharkova has discovered that there are actually two cycles at work. The sun has an inner and outer layer which fluctuate at slightly different rates. When their cycles line up perfectly, we receive an abundance of solar activity; but when these two cycles are completely out of synch the sun is producing comparatively little heat. By taking these factors into account, Zharkova has been able to predict solar activity with an unprecedented 97% accuracy.

If her model is correct, then we may be facing an incredibly cold period between the year 2030 and 2040. She thinks the conditions on Earth could be compared to the Maunder Minimum that occurred between 1645 and 1715, which played a significant role in the “Little Ice Age.”