Are Uranus & Neptune Responsible for Solar Grand Minima and Solar Cycle Modulation?

Geoff J. Sharp

Moonbeam Close, Narre Warren South, Melbourne, Australia.

DOI: 10.4236/ijaa.2013.33031                

Abstract

Detailed solar Angular Momentum (AM) graphs produced from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) DE405 ephemeris display cyclic perturbations that show a very strong correlation with prior solar activity slowdowns. These same AM perturbations also occur simultaneously with known solar path changes about the Solar System Barycentre (SSB). The AM perturbations can be measured and quantified allowing analysis of past solar cycle modulations along with the 11,500 year solar proxy records (14C & 10Be). The detailed AM information also displays a recurring wave of modulation that aligns very closely with the observed sunspot record since 1650. The AM perturbation and modulation is a direct product of the outer gas giants (Uranus & Neptune). This information gives the opportunity to predict future grand minima along with normal solar cycle strength with some confidence. A proposed mechanical link between solar activity and planetary influence via a discrepancy found in solar/planet AM along with current AM perturbations indicate solar cycle 24 & 25 will be heavily reduced in sunspot activity resembling a similar pattern to solar cycles 5 & 6 during the Dalton Minimum (1790-1830).

Keywords

Solar Grand Minimum; Solar Modulation; Angular Momentum; Uranus; Neptune; SSB; Barycentre

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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