Maunder Minimum

From 1645 to 1715, scientists believe there was a decrease in the total energy output from the Sun, as indicated by little or no sunspot activity. This period coincided with a climate event on Earth known as the Little Ice Age.

During one seventy-five year period, now called the Maunder Minimum (1645-1715), Sunspot activity virtually ceased, and temperatures fell enough to cause a "Little Ice Age" of severely cold weather across the northern hemisphere of Earth. During the 11th and 12th centuries, there was also a large warming coincident with enhanced solar activity.