Scientists in 1843 found that solar activity keeps varying over a cycle of 11 years due to an outcome of convection set deep within the Sun’s fluids. However, new studies now point towards a second “wave”. They believe that two waves are at play within the Sun’s interior, driving all solar activity. And when these waves un-harmonise, the Earth’s temperatures register a drop.
The waves oscillate between the northern and southern hemispheres of the Sun. So when they stay put, there is high solar activity, and when they go out of phase, solar activity plummets.
While we await the effects of the 'mini ice age' on our planet, here are 4 other predictions made by scientists that are taking us closer to doomsday.
1. Heat death of the universe
This theory suggests that the Earth will reach a state of thermodynamic equilibrium where all processes of the universe will cease. It’s expected to occur after 10 x 100 years, so we’re good for the time being.
2. The Sun swallowing the Earth
In about 7.6 billion years, the brightest star of our galaxy will reach a “red giant” state where it will lose mass, and eventually its gravitational pull. According to contradicting belief systems, this can go either way. Either it will push the Earth farther away or pull it closer and engulf it all together.
3. Asteroid collision with the Earth
Asteroid 1950 DA is expected to catastrophically collide with the Earth and plunge into the Atlantic Ocean on March 16, 2880 (to be precise) at a speed of just over 61,000 km/h. If it does hit, it would be with a force as strong as that of 44,800 megatonnes of TNT!
4. Robot Apocalypse
Bill Joy, co-founder of Sun Microsystems, predicts that by 2030, robots will take over the planet and consequently bring about our extinction. He believes this swap to occur due to incredible technological advancements that will allow robot intelligence to replace ours.
The end is nigh. *grabs beer*
