| Early
records of sunspots indicate that the Sun went through a period of inactivity
in the late 17th century. Very few sunspots were seen on the Sun from about
1645 to 1715. Although the observations were not as extensive as in later
years, the Sun was in fact well observed during this time and this lack
of sunspots is well documented. |
|
This
period of solar inactivity also corresponds to a climatic period called
the "Little Ice Age" when rivers that are normally ice-free froze
and snow fields remained year-round at lower altitudes. There is evidence
that the Sun has had similar periods of inactivity in the more distant past.
The connection between solar activity and terrestrial climate is an area
of on-going research. |
|
