Is There a Link Between Cosmic Rays and Global Warming?

As you might know, I’ve got a side job blogging over at Wired Science on their space beat. I just posted an article there about new research that refutes a possible connection between global warming and cosmic rays.

The theory is that cosmic rays create ions in the atmosphere, forming the seeds that build into water droplets. If true, that would help explain global warming as a natural phenomenon, where increased cosmic rays create clouds to cool the planet. When the 11-year solar cycle is at its maximum, cosmic rays are pushed away from the Earth, and temperatures rise. No humans causing global warming.

Except we are.

A new presentation at the 30th International Cosmic Ray Conference by researchers from the UK tears holes in this theory, refuting it on several levels.

Check out the article over at Wired.