Dalton Minimum

The Dalton Minimum refers to a period of low solar activity that occurred between about 1790 and 1830, during which sunspots were notably scarce. This phenomenon is linked to a time of cooler temperatures in Europe and North America, known as the Little Ice Age. Named after the British chemist John Dalton, who studied climate changes, this minimum is significant because it demonstrates how solar output can influence Earth's climate, showing a connection between solar activity and weather patterns over longer periods. Researchers study such events to better understand past climate shifts and their potential impact on current and future climate change.