Solar storms can cause rapid changes to the Earth’s atmosphere, new study suggests

• 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.

IN FULL

Breakthrough study confirms solar storms can alter weather on Earth within hours