Their problem is that the effect of these increases on the Earth is unknown. The research is published in Nature and in the same journal Professor Eugene Parker, of the Laboratory for Astrophysics and Space Research, University of Chicago, comments that it could explain global warming. He notes that the increased solar activity has occurred in parallel with an increase in carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere. And it may not be a coincidence, he says. Professor Parker suggests that the Sun's increased activity caused the Earth's global temperature to rise and that in turn warmed the oceans.
Warmer oceans absorb less carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
So a warmer Earth has more of the so-called greenhouse gases. Humanity's burning of fossil fuels may therefore not be the cause of global warming. Perilous plans Professor Parker adds that that more research must be done about the Sun's role in global warming before drastic action is taken here on Earth. Measurements of the magnetic field are not the only evidence for the Sun's variable influence on the Earth. Astronomers believe that the Sun was slightly brighter at that time.