First of all, the sun is the largest body in our solar system, several times larger than the largest planet, Jupiter, and many, many times larger than the Earth. Not only is its gravity holding all the planets, asteroids, and comets in orbit, but various forms of its energy constantly go to the farthest reaches of the solar system.

I’m not sure how much the sun contributes to global warming, but we can’t be blind and say that it has no effect on the planet’s temperature. If there was no effect, there would be no life on Earth. Visitors to Alaska can see an example of the sun’s energy interacting with the Earth when they see the Northern Lights. This is radiation from the sun interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field around the poles. Another example is when there are strong solar flares on the sun’s surface. At times like this there are often interruptions in the Earth’s communications and electrical power. If an astronaut were in orbit during a time of increased solar activity, the radiation would be dangerous to him.

Earth and all the planets are constantly hit by many forms of solar energy, and we are still learning which of them causes variations in a planet’s temperature and climate. In my study of science, I have come to the conclusion that the sun is affecting the Earth and other planets in ways we have not yet discovered yet.

Now, my love of science has made me an optimist. The more I learn, the more I realize how fantastic our universe is. It causes me to often see things in very positive ways. In environmental talk, I often hear of all that we need to give up and do without. I have a different viewpoint, however. In my opinion, the do without mentality is no good. We need to think of what we can do to improve our lifestyle not take away from it. Rather than denying that the sun has anything to do with global warming, let’s learn how to tap the sun’s variety of energies in ways that we haven’t imagined yet. Or go the other direction. There is untapped energy at the Earth’s core if we could learn how to tap it.

Now, even though I do not feel that our use of carbon based fuel is the main cause of global warming, I feel its use is becoming somewhat ancient. Rather than saying we should do without, let’s take positive action to bring our world up to speed and make it a better place where we will have more energy to live on, not less.

Sincerely,
K.C. Weber

Over a much longer time frame (since 1750), the IPCC estimates that the sun has had a small warming effect (0.12 watts per square meter). That's still tiny compared to man-made factors. The net effect of greenhouse gases (which cause warming) and aerosols (which cause cooling) is a lot of warming: 1.6 watts per square meter.

For more on global warming and the sun, you can also see my earlier post about global dimming.

In his article he states, "The short answer is, whatever warming there may be on other planets is not due to changes in the Sun. Scientists have thoroughly investigated this possibility, and in nearly 30 years of satellite observations, we've seen no increase in overall solar output."

This is incorrect. Studies show that the sun's radiation has increased by .05 percent per decade since the late 1970's.

Now, this increase is only important if it has been going on for a century or more. But, we have only been able to monitor this output since the development of observations through satellite technology.

I'm not saying that the sun is the only reason for global warming. Mankind is definitely a contributor. But, the sun's influence cannot be so easily dismissed. especially by such an inaccurate statement.

Sincerely,
K.C. Weber