Magnetic field indices derived from synoptic magnetograms of the Mt. Wilson Observatory, i.e. Magnetic Plage Strength Index (MPSI) and Mt. Wilson Sunspot Index (MWSI), are used to study the effects of surface magnetism on total solar
irradiance variability during solar cycles 21, 22 and 23.
«Long - Term Solar
Irradiance Variability During Sunspot Cycle 22.»
Not exact matches
Current understanding of solar physics and the known sources of
irradiance variability suggest comparable
irradiance levels
during the past two solar cycles, including at solar minima.
Thus it appears that, provided further satellite cloud data confirms the cosmic ray flux low cloud seeding hypothesis, and no other factors were involved over the past 150 years (e.g.,
variability of other cloud layers) then there is a potential for solar activity induced changes in cloudiness and
irradiance to account for a significant part of the global warming experienced
during the 20th century, with the possible exception of the last two decades.
Current understanding of solar physics and the known sources of
irradiance variability suggest comparable
irradiance levels
during the past two solar cycles, including at solar minima.
The temperature trend since 1998 is understood to result from natural climate
variability, combined with reduced solar
irradiance during the downward part of the solar cycle after its 2001 maximum.