Mini ice age could hit Earth by 2030, researchers say

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 06: Ice builds up along Lake Michigan at North Avenue Beach as temperatures dipped well below zero on January 6, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. Chicago hit a record low of -16 degree Fahrenheit this morning as a polar air mass brought the coldest temperatures in about two decades into the city. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Credit: Scott Olson

Credit: Scott Olson

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 06: Ice builds up along Lake Michigan at North Avenue Beach as temperatures dipped well below zero on January 6, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. Chicago hit a record low of -16 degree Fahrenheit this morning as a polar air mass brought the coldest temperatures in about two decades into the city. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)


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.”

>> Read: 3 reasons not to worry about a mini ice age - the other side of the story

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.

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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)