Mini ice age could hit Earth by 2030, researchers say

By Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Scientists say Earth may plunge into a “mini ice age” in 15 years or so because of irregularities in the sun’s “11-year heartbeat.”

A new model of the Sun's solar cycle that is behind the prediction is extremely accurate, according to the report published in Science Daily.

The model shows solar activity “will fall by 60 percent during the 2030s,” creating freezing conditions not seen since 1645.

The scientists warning about the mini ice age say their methodology, which uses mathematical models to predict solar activity, has resulted in “an accuracy of 97 percent” in past predictions.

This latest warning is not entirely new.

"Former NASA consultant and space shuttle engineer John Casey has been known to voice similar concerns. In fact, he wrote a book called 'Dark Winter' in which he warns of crop failures and food riots." (Source: Marketwatch.com)

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