“We predict that this will lead to the properties of a ‘Maunder minimum’.” – Prof Valentina Zharkova
Scientists predict a 60% drop in solar activity by the 2030s, raising questions about a potential mini ice age. Learn about the solar minimum, the Sun’s double dynamo cycle, and how it could impact Earth’s climate.
Is a New Solar Minimum on the Horizon? Scientists Predict a 60% Drop in Solar Activity
What Is Solar Activity and Why Does It Matter?
The Sun is the primary driver of Earth’s climate, influencing temperatures, weather patterns, and even satellite communications. Solar activity follows an 11-year cycle, fluctuating between solar maximums (high activity) and solar minimums (low activity).
However, scientists warn that the 2030s could bring an exceptionally low period of solar activity, similar to the Maunder Minimum (1645–1715), which coincided with a mini ice age in the Northern Hemisphere.
The Science Behind the Solar Decline: The Double Dynamo Effect
A research team led by Professor Valentina Zharkova at Northumbria University discovered that the Sun operates with a double dynamo system—two magnetic fields that either amplify or cancel each other.
- When these fields are in sync, solar activity is strong, leading to more sunspots and increased radiation.
- When they cancel out, solar output weakens, resulting in prolonged cold periods.
Based on mathematical models, scientists predict that solar activity will drop by 60% in the 2030s, potentially leading to cooler global temperatures.
Could We Experience Another Mini Ice Age?
Historical records show that past solar minimums were linked to colder climates:
- The Maunder Minimum (1645–1715) saw bitterly cold winters across Europe and North America.
- The Dalton Minimum (1790–1830) coincided with the “Year Without a Summer” (1816), caused by both volcanic activity and low solar output.
Some researchers suggest that if a similar Grand Solar Minimum occurs in the 2030s, winters in some regions could become harsher. However, global warming caused by CO2 emissions may counteract any significant cooling effects.
How a Solar Minimum Could Impact the LPG Market. Will it Drive Up LPG Demand?
Scientists predict a solar minimum in the 2030s, potentially leading to colder winters and increased LPG consumption. Here’s how it could impact the market:
✅ Higher Heating Demand: Harsher winters in North America, Europe, and Asia could boost LPG use for residential and industrial heating.
✅ Supply Chain Disruptions: Freezing conditions may impact transportation and storage, causing price fluctuations.
✅ Agricultural Demand: Shorter growing seasons could drive higher LPG usage for grain drying and greenhouse heating.
✅ Price Volatility: Seasonal LPG demand spikes could lead to higher prices and investment in storage infrastructure.
Final Thoughts
While a solar minimum may temporarily increase LPG demand, long-term trends will still be shaped by climate policies and renewable energy adoption.
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