A pair of researchers affiliated with the Natural History Museum in Chemnitz and Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg, both in Germany, has found evidence in ancient tree rings of a solar sunspot cycle millions of years ago similar to the one observed in more modern times. In their paper published in the journal Geology, Ludwig Luthardt and Ronny Rößler describe how they gathered an assortment of petrified tree samples from a region in Germany and used them to count sunspot cycles.

Scientists know that the sun undergoes a sunspot cycle of approximately 11 years—some spots appear, grow cooler and then slowly move toward the equator and eventually disappear—the changes to the sun spots cause changes to the brightness level of the sun—as the level waxes and wanes, plants here on Earth respond, growing more or less in a given year—this can be seen in the width of tree rings. In this new effort, the researchers gathered petrified tree samples from a region of Germany that was covered by lava during a volcanic eruption approximately 290 million years ago (during the Permian period), offering a historical record of sun activity.

The research pair obtained 43 petrified tree specimens (tree-trunk slices) and report that they were able to count 1,917 rings which were preserved well enough to allow for observation under a microscope. Because the trees had all died at the same time, the researchers were able to establish a baseline between them which allowed for comparing tree ring growth between samples over the same time periods—which covered 79 years. Doing so, they report, revealed very clearly a cycle of growth similar to that seen in modern trees, though in this case, it was slightly different. Today the cycle is an average of 11.2 years, back then it was 10.6—close enough, the researchers suggest, to conclude that the sun has been behaving very predictably for at least 290 million years.

It should be noted that not everyone agrees with the theory that sunspot activity leaves such a clear record in tree rings—other factors might be involved such as general global temperature, weather patterns or even outbreaks of insect populations.

More information: Ludwig Luthardt et al. Fossil forest reveals sunspot activity in the early Permian, Geology(2017)

A 21 year-old fisherman identified as Salanje Thomas has died after being struck by lightning while fishing on Monday in Mangochi district.

Confirming the development to Malawi24, Mangochi Police Deputy Spokesperson Amina Daudi said the deceased along with his friends went for fishing at Mpemba Dock along Lake Malawi.

According to Daudi, a few hours later as they were in the waters heavy rainfall started and suddenly lightning struck and their canoe got capsized.

"All of them fell in the water, his friends managed to swim but Thomas drowned and got missing, they tried to search for him but proved futile," Daudi said.

Brits who headed to Europe this week in search of some winter sun were in for a nasty surprise as a snow storm swept across the continent and Spain experienced its heaviest snowfall in 35 years.

The usually sun-drenched holiday destinations in Germany, Croatia, Italy, Corsica and Serbia are all feeling the chill thanks to the freak cold snap.

Beaches at numerous coastal resorts - where tourists flock to escape the British weather - have been wiped out by freak snow storms.

But the cold weather didn't stop Orthodox Russian Christians taking cold dips in freezing temperatures as part of a celebration of the Epiphany.

Lightning on Wednesday killed a 12-year-old boy and injured another in the incident in village 109-North.

Abu Bakar (12), a student of 7th class, was hit by severe lightning during torment rain.

He breathed his last instantly while other person namely Akbar was also hit by the lightning.

He was moved to hospital for medication by the locals.

Fox Flash freezes in Danube River, ice clogs hydro electric dam in Canada, Bangladesh cold wave, and cyclonic winds and blizzards wipe out Europe's vegetable crops. Exodus of villagers in Pakistani villages.

The Houston region might see new flooding as more heavy downpours move in Wednesday afternoon, just hours after strong thunderstorms pounded the area for hours throughout the morning, leaving thousands of motorists stranded on flooded roadways.

Some storms will sweep the area into the evening rush hour, according to the National Weather Service, which extended the flood warning until 4:15 p.m. for western Harris County, northern Fort Bend County and northeastern Wharton County.
Forecasters said about 1 and 3 inches of rain could fall in afternoon storms, though some spots may record greater amounts as the storm system marches eastward across the region. The new round of rain could prompt new flooding, especially in areas already hit hard in morning cloudbursts that left up to 6 inches of rain in some areas.

The number of victims of the flood disaster in southern Thailand continues to rise as the flood situation continues in 6 provinces. However, the Thai Meteorological Department are warning of more heavy rain for the next 6 days.

Death toll rises

Thailand's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reported earlier today that 43 people have now died in the flood disaster that has affected 12 provinces in southern Thailand since 01 January 2017.

The Ministry of Interior says that more than 1.6 million people have so far been affected by the floods and that more than 530,000 homes have been damaged by flood water.

Heavy rain was a result of the tail-end of a cold front and low pressure area has caused deadly floods have in Eastern Visayas and Northern Mindanao, Philippines. Over 13,000 people have been displaced from their homes.

Philippines News Agency (PNA) reports that at least 4 people have died in the floods in Cagayan De Oro City, Misamis Oriental, one of the worst hit areas. Local media say that the death toll is higher, with flood related fatalities reported in other areas of the province.

The city council declared Cagayan de Oro under a state of calamity in the early hours of Tuesday, 17 January. Schools have been suspended in the area.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reports that, as of late 17 January (local time) flooding had affected 15,283 people from 3,499 families in 78 barangays in the regions of Eastern Visayas and Northern Mindanao.

DSWD reports that there are currently 13,559 people displaced and staying in 71 evacuation centres. As many as 4,672 people have been disaplced in Cagayan De Oro and 2,844 in Gingoog, also in Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao.

Much of southern Europe is experiencing its second round of snow in just under two weeks. Many in parts of southern Europe may be feeling that winter has targeted them in giving them the brunt of heavy snow and winds caused by the second winter storm to affect the area in just 10 days.

While similar to the previous storm that brought heavy snow and extremely cold air across much of the region, this storm will also stay locked in place over the Mediterranean. The weather pattern continues to keep a "blocking" pattern in place across much of central Europe and the steering winds stay well to the north.

While we may see a few breaks in the weather, the forecast into late January keeps many of these storms bringing snow, winds and rain to the countries around the Mediterranean Sea.

Lightning struck a church in Tsomo, killing four congregants and injuring four others including the head reverend, shortly after Sunday's sermon.

Among those killed were the church society steward and three women. The injured included the church minister, his daughter, and an evangelist.

The lightning struck the United Methodist Church of Southern Africa's Luzuko Society Church hall at KuNgceza village near Tsomo on Sund ay, killing church steward Justice Dlabane, 76, and congregants Nozuko Ntozini, 52, Noright Qhesa, 60, and Nophelo Mvikweni, 56.

The church's circuit secretary, Nomgcobo Ncoko, said: "It was a disaster and a miracle. I thought it was judgment day. I saw a strong and fearsome bolt of blue lightning and a ball of fire striking where the society church steward was sitting.

In series of bizarre firsts: