Cosmic rays
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Cosmic rays are particles that bombard the Earth from outer space, such as:
- Galactic Cosmic Rays -- coming from outside the solar system
- Anomalous Cosmic Rays -- coming from the interstellar space at the edge of the heliopause
- Solar Energetic Particles -- associated with solar flares and other energetic solar events
NASA says that, "... cosmic rays go up when solar activity goes down." [1]
The NIPCC says that, "GCR intensity is modulated by the strength of the solar wind and its magnetic field." [2]
- ... during the 20th century, the influx of cosmic rays was reduced by a doubling of the sun’s magnetic field which shields the Earth from cosmic rays. [3]
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,220341,00.html#ixzz1EywRJfLA
Effects on the earth's weather
- Cosmic rays vary the earth’s temperatures by creating more or fewer of the low, wet clouds that cool the earth.
- Cosmic rays amplify small changes in the sun’s irradiance fourfold, creating 1-2 degree C cycles in earth’s temperatures. [4]
Older terminology
The term "cosmic rays" used to include X-rays and gamma rays.
External links
- Cosmicopia at NASA/GSFC -- Cosmic Rays by Beth Jacob