TITLE:
Are Uranus & Neptune Responsible for Solar Grand Minima and Solar Cycle Modulation?
AUTHORS:
Geoff J. Sharp
KEYWORDS:
Solar Grand Minimum; Solar Modulation; Angular Momentum; Uranus; Neptune; SSB; Barycentre
JOURNAL NAME:
International Journal of Astronomy and Astrophysics,
Vol.3 No.3,
September
3,
2013
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).