Earth Facing A Mini-Ice Age

The sun is heading into an unusual and extended period of hibernation that could trigger a mini-Ice Age on Earth, scientists claim. A decrease in global warming might result in the years after 2020, the approximate time when sunspots are expected to disappear for years, maybe even decades.

While the effects of a calmer sun are mostly good - there'd be fewer disruptions of satellites and power systems - it could see a sharp turnaround in global warming.

An absence of sunspots is not an unprecedented situation. It has happened before, but not since the early 18th century. Lead researcher Frank Hill, of the National Solar Observatory, said: 'The solar cycle is maybe going into hiatus, sort of like a summertime TV show.'

While scientists don't know why the sun is going quiet, all the signs are that it will. Dr Hill and his team have based their prediction on three changes in the sun spotted by scientific teams - weakening sunspots; fewer streams spewing from the poles of the sun's corona; and a disappearing solar jet stream.

Dr Richard Altrock, the study's co-author and an astrophysicist at the Air Force Research Laboratory, said these three cues show that 'there's a good possibility that the sun could be going into some sort of state from which it takes a long time to recover'.

Their prediction is specifically aimed at the solar cycle starting in 2020. Experts say the sun has already been unusually quiet for about four years with few sunspots - higher magnetic areas that appear as dark spots.

The enormous magnetic field of the sun dictates the solar cycle, which includes sunspots, solar wind and ejection of fast-moving particles that sometimes hit Earth. Every 22 years, the sun's magnetic field switches north and south, creating an 11-year sunspot cycle.

At peak times, like 2001, there are sunspots every day and more frequent solar flares and storms that could disrupt satellites. Earlier this month, David Hathaway, Nasa's top solar storm scientist, predicted that the current cycle, which started around 2009, will be the weakest in a century.

Mr Altrock also thinks the current cycle won't have much solar activity, after tracking streamers from the solar corona, the sun's outer atmosphere seen during eclipses.

The streamers normally become busy around the sun's poles a few years before peak solar storm activity. That 'rush to the poles' would have happened by now, but it hasn't and there's no sign of it yet. That also means the cycle after that is uncertain, he said.

Matt Penn of the National Solar Observatory, another study co-author, said sunspot magnetic fields have been steadily decreasing in strength since 1998. If they continue on the current pace, their magnetic fields will be too weak to become spots as of 2022 or so, he said.

Jet streams on the sun's surface and below are also early indicators of solar storm activity, and they have not formed yet for the 2020 cycle. That indicates that there will be little or delayed activity in that cycle, said Hill, who tracks jet streams.

There are questions about what this means for Earth's climate. Three times in the past the regular 11-year solar cycle has gone on an extended vacation - at the same time as cool periods on Earth.

Sceptics of man-made global warming from the burning of fossil fuels have often pointed to solar radiation as a possible cause of a warming Earth, but they are in the minority among scientists.

Earth has warmed as solar activity has decreased. Mr Hill and his colleagues wouldn't discuss the effects of a quiet sun on temperature or global warming.

'If our predictions are true, we'll have a wonderful experiment that will determine whether the sun has any effect on global warming,' he said.

KOMPAS.com

Reveals the Secrets of Amoy

IN tourism, Xiamen is known by another name Amoy really is not that calculated by the tourists from Indonesia. This assumption could be wrong. However, the fact is, many people travel to Xiamen, but only considers the city of Xiamen as a stopover to other cities in China.

Managing Director Cindy Yao Travindo long been in the market of China revealed that visiting tourists from Indonesia to Xiamen just to return home tours. "The timing varies, from two weeks to a month. Sometimes too much longer. It's up to them because it's like homecoming tradition, "said Cindy. Beyond that, no.

Rink Zhang from C & D Travel reinforce the narrative of Cindy. According to him, many people came to Xiamen and spend the time to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Xiamen. They rented an apartment and perform daily activities. "But few come sightseeing," he said.

Can not be denied, Xiamen is suitable as a resort town. Besides the cool air, the atmosphere of the city and a slow rhythm is very fitting as a resort town or to spend their old age.

Not that there is no congestion. In Xiamen, congestion is also a scourge although not as good as Jakarta. Moments of people leaving for the office and back home is when traffic jams can not be avoided.

Another crowd can be found in the city center. There, the trading activity of walking like a heartbeat that pumps blood throughout the body. However, its intensity is only a fraction of a percent from the busyness of Jakarta, where business and government activities blended together.

What many people do not know, Xiamen actually has a number of sights worth a visit. One Stones Carvings Garden which is the center of Xiamen stone carvings. Here, tourists can watch a collection of sculptures from various dynasties.

Tourists can also visit the Gulangyu Islands with his piano museum which has a fairly complete collection. With a history that is closely related to Gulangyu piano, piano festival held every year which followed participants from around the world.

On the island, tourists can also enjoy the architecture of old buildings and pretty and beautiful flower gardens. Frangipani tree which is the mascot of the city of Xiamen are found in Gulangyu.

Each time, filled with local tourist Gulangyu. Ferry crossings every once every hour is always crowded passenger ferry while in operation since 0600 up to 24.30.

One of the major tourist who never missed Xiamen is Riyuegu Hotspring, a hot water bath is also a favorite of local residents. Here, tourists can indulge in hot water pools with various "flavors", such as mint, orange, ginger, cucumber, types of flowers such as roses, and herbs. Believe me, are in hot water baths can make people forget the time.

Xiamen is also interesting in terms of culinary riches. As a port city, Xiamen offers an abundance of seafood. With proper processing, seafood Xiamen presented with a distinctive taste and tempting.

With the potential is so promising, Xiamen should no longer be just a stopover city. Powered adequate facilities, one access-Xiamen flights from Jakarta, Indonesia tourists can easily visit and explore Xiamen.

Air China airline which is the largest airline in China has been ready to catch the opportunity. For that, General Manager of Air China Jakarta, Ma Guo Dong, said that, this year Air China will add flights to four times a week.

"The Indonesian market is very potential. Therefore, this year, Air China will add to the flight schedule. We will also consider the exact departure time for passengers to be more comfortable when they arrive in Xiamen, "said Ma. He hoped that the visit of group tourists from Indonesia to Xiamen continued to increase in order to "beauty" is no longer a secret Amoy

source: Kompas Print

Indonesian tour: Jukung Tour on Lake Beratan Bali Indonesia

KOMPAS.com - Visiting Ulun Danu Danu Beratan or Ulun become mandatory menu holiday to Bali. Do not miss the tour boats in the middle of Lake Beratan with friends or family.

Ulun Danu is located about 50 kilometers north of Denpasar or during the 1.5 hour trip. Tourist area in Bedugul, Tabanan, Bali, is now crowded domestic and foreign tourists. Dominated by domestic tourists touring school children with large buses. Not a few foreign tourists who enjoy the beauty and coolness of this tourist area.

Visiting the tourist area of ​​Lake Batur can be enjoyed through three channels. First, go through the police statue, which is about 1 kilometer before the statue of corn from the direction of Denpasar.

At this location, you can enjoy the various tourist attractions, including parasailing or speed boat. Parasailing in Bedugul certainly different from parasailing at Tanjung Benoa Beach, Nusa Dua. This attraction is very interesting because you will fly over the lake, the green hills around listening to the sometimes hazy. Seeing Ulun Danu from the air and enjoying the cool breeze Bedugul bone puncture. There are also jet skis and speed boats are ready to navigate the lake in one round.

The second way, enjoy the lake through the entrance at the edge of the lake. The location is about 500 meters from Bedugul market. Ample parking for motorcycles and four-wheeled private vehicles.

Here, you can enjoy a dish of meatballs that seemed special, in addition to delicious on the tongue, sauce is also able to warm the body. This area has been slowly taking shape and arranged more neatly.

The third way, go through the area Ulun Danu Beratan or so-called Ulun Danu. This area is a way not to be missed because at this location you can capture photos of family or friends with a background Ulun Danu in the middle of the famous lake.

There are various tourist attractions here, such as tour boats with wooden boats. Tour boats at a rate of Rp 50,000 can contain four to five people for 30 minutes. You can walk around with a paddle down the lake itself. In the middle of the lake, you can capture family activities in the boat who plays the rush of cold and fresh water lakes or just fishing from the boat.

Apart from tourist boats, your hobby or want to just sit and enjoy the beauty of the lake can try fishing from the lake. Sitting on a bamboo deck, you can try their luck to get a fish or just joking laughter with friends or family.

"It was fun to ride boats on Lake Beratan. The water was calm, cool. Can play the water and photographs of the boats," said Suwarno, domestic tourists from Surabaya to Bali on holiday with his family.

Apart from sightseeing boats, there are several other tourist attractions, such as speed boat, bicycle water ducks, and water ball.

Waterfall Gitgit, Biting cold

 Buleleng Regency not only offers canoe tours to enjoy a dolphin dancing on the beach of Lovina and the warmth of the sun rises in the middle of the sea. However, in this district in North Bali you can also enjoy a fun tour.

Because Buleleng has interesting places and unique visit. Starting from the entrance Buleleng of Bedugul, Tabanan, we enjoy two lakes "twins" are vast and exotic. Yes ... called because of its location adjoining the lake twins separated a small hill. However, the name of the lake is different, namely Tamblingan Lake and Lake Buyan.

You can enjoy a variety of ways. Entrance down the small streets towards the water of Lake Buyan and Tamblingan really fun. Looking at the calm lake water from the top was no less fun.

If you do not have any free time touching the lake water is clear and cold, can enjoy it from the side of the highway adjacent to the steeply sloping hills as walls of the lake.

You can order a coffee in the shops that lined the roadside, sitting on wooden chairs on a cliff unique. Ideal location for enjoying the natural beauty of the lake surrounded by hills while enjoying a glass of warm coffee. Breeze that sometimes blows hard give the sensation of time standing on the wood not stuck on a cliff lake.

Both lakes are still not much untouched by tourism turbulence. Unlike the other two famous lakes, namely Lake Batur and Lake Beratan Bangli, Tabanan. There is no tourism activities, like boating in the middle of the lake, jet skiing, boating or pacing.

Twin Falls

If you travel to the Buleleng, do not forget to stop by to enjoy the waterfall in the village of Gitgit.

Buleleng Regency taken three hours drive from Denpasar. Medan road up and down, winding in the hills of Bali split into heavy terrain for beginner traveler.

This is precisely the uniqueness of Buleleng. Geographical conditions are hilly and beach offers a different tour of Kuta and Ubud. You can enjoy the panorama of nature that are still beautiful and quiet.

If you are satisfied with enjoying the two lakes "twin" Buyan and Tamblingan are still a virgin, you are going through down winding roads.

Along the way, 30 minutes from the top of the hill, you can stop by to enjoy the waterfall in the village of Gitgit. There are three locations waterfalls, waterfalls of twins (twin waterfall), terraced waterfalls, and waterfalls Gitgit more famous.

Waterfalls are now preferred traveler is a twin waterfall. To the waterfall, you'll be down a path which divides the bush. Rows of trees that enlivened the birds singing and the rustle of leaves is very soothing. Walk about 15 minutes was not tiring.

Cold vapor violent crushing hit to refresh the body and face. Crystal clear waterfall very delicious to taste. Hmm ... fresh!

Satisfied in the twin waterfall, you can choose storey waterfall or waterfall Gitgit which is 10-15 minutes from the twin waterfalls.

The atmosphere is different tours offered Gitgit waterfall. This tour is more advanced because it has maintained much longer by the people. Cement road combing a paddy field and a row of coconut trees, clove trees that smell fragrant and shady in the valley between two hills. On both sides lined street art shop that offers unique souvenirs Gitgit and Buleleng.

Waterfall originating from Lake Buyan and Tamblingan is very clear and refreshing. Empasannya spread freshness.

from: KOMPAS.com

Indonesian tour: Tips Towards Lovina Beach Bali

KOMPAS.com - Lovina Beach in Buleleng, Bali, offers the experience of seeing dolphins in the wild for tourists. This area is still dominated by foreign tourists. Domestic tourists who visited generally are tourists who come by land that is go to Bali via Gilimanuk. Because the distance between Gilimanuk to Lovina Beach is less than one hour.

Meanwhile, domestic tourists via air route should go down at the only airport in Bali, Ngurah Rai Airport. Ngurah Rai Airport and Lovina Beach is like from the south end to north end of Bali. The distance can be more than 120 km. Need a travel time of about nearly three hours. Often a long travel time is a constraint of domestic tourists to come to Lovina Beach. Even so, it can not be a reason to enjoy the panoramic views of Lovina Beach in when the sun rises. The best recommendation to really enjoy Lovina Beach is by staying at least overnight in this area. Because, dolphin tours as a major tourist aktraksi Lovina Beach in the morning.

Rental Car If you arrive in Bali through the air or stay in the Kuta area, there are several transportation options to choose from. The most convenient choice of course with a complete car hire with driver for two days. Relax, some lodging in the villages around Lovina Beach provides a complimentary room for driver.

Shuttle or Public Transportation To reach the beach of Lovina, you can also catch the shuttle or drive a car shuttle from Kuta to some other tourist destinations in Bali. Some shuttle operators more scattered in seputaran lodging in Kuta. Try it checks around Kuta Beach. This car was left at certain hours. One-way costs around Rp 120,000 to Rp 150,000. You want a little adventure? Just ride public transportation. First of all, you have to ride bemo in Tegal Terminal Market destination Kuta, Denpasar. In Tegal Terminal to Terminal Ubung proceed. Now, in Terminal Ubung, you just take the bus destination Lovina. The total money you spend around Rp 50,000 if using public transportation.

Lodging Resort, three star hotels, hotels, until the homestay. Tingga adjust your budget when choosing accommodations. If your budget thin, one village, the Village Kalibukbuk variety of homestay and moldy hotels. There are also hotels that have swimming pool facilities. While homestay or house used as an inn, usually simple rooms with fan. Prices of accommodation ranging from 70 thousand per night. If you are not sure of the room you want to live in, just ask the manager of the inn to first show the bedroom and bathroom which would you wear.

Eating There are a wide selection of food stalls, a restaurant by the beach, to the roadside cafes. The menu options are various. From traditional Balinese cuisine, the menu of Indonesia, until the Western culinary like Italian food. The price is relatively affordable and the average set a lower price than the price of the same menu in the south of Bali such as Kuta. You must try dishes that use ingredients directly taken from the sea because the sea alias guaranteed freshness. A variety of processed marine ingredients you can find. Starting from grilled fish to. Also try Hatten wine. Hatten wine vineyards are located in Buleleng. In some cafes around Lovina Beach, Hatten wines sold by the glass.

Of course, full activity was coming to Lovina Beach without following the dolphin tour. In the village Kalibukbuk, there are many boats or traditional Balinese boat hire. Each boat load 4-5. Interestingly, although many tour operators in the village of dolphins Kalibukbuk, but they apply the same price of Rp 60,000. Finished a tour of dolphins, other exciting activities are snorkeling. Rent snorkeling equipment is also subject to Rp 60,000. Other marine tourism activity is fishing. Swimming can be an option. Lovina Beach is a tranquil flow safe for kids who want to swim. At night, you can hang out at cafes. Some cafe featuring live music.

Lovina Beach Tours In addition, you can also visit the famous tourist resorts in the region of Buleleng other. For example, hot spring at Banjar village or waterfall Water Gitgit.

Sunset at the Temple of Queen Boko-Indonesian Tour

Yogyakarta - That afternoon, when the clock showed 16.00 hours we were immediately directed towards vehicles Ratu Boko Temple, located approximately 3 km south of the temple complex of Prambanan, 18 km east of Yogyakarta or 50 km southwest of the city of Surakarta, Java Tengah, Indonesia.

It is estimated that this temple was built in the 8th century during the reign of Rakai Panangkaran, one of the descendants of Wangsa dynasty. Meanwhile, suspected to function as a place of solitude and retreat. With a ticket for Rp. 30,000, guests get free transportation to the Temple of Prambanan Temple of Queen Boko.

Our goal to this temple in the afternoon that is to see the setting sun or the sunset in English, which is said sunset views from the site of Queen Boko Temple is the most beautiful South-East Asia. Do not want to be late, so we got to the car park half ran up the stairs to the temple which were located on the hill. Fortunately the sun was still hanging in the sky, not down. Immediately we headed to the best spots in the burning temple whose position is rather high.

And sure enough, the views of the sunset from Boko temple is really beautiful! With sunny weather, the sun looks round in violet-colored sky. Of course, this moment will not be passed without the photos. Gradually the sun goes down, the marker was time we left. It's natural beauty Indonesiaku. Hopefully next time I had the opportunity to visit again.


from:  Nicholas Putra Prima-detik.trave

Beach Charlita Nias Indonesia

North Sumatra - interrupted - broke in anticipation of scheduled flights to Medan Sitoli mountain, we took a visit to the beach area Charlita. Today, Saturday (9 / 10) is the last day exploring team ACI Sumut two tourist areas of Nias. The weather was not very bright as ever covered in gray clouds and rain storms.
After traveling 30 minutes from downtown Sitoli mountain, we reached the beach Charlita, quiet place with a light breeze blowing and the expanse of blue sea and the surrounding green trees add a beautiful atmosphere.
Facilities at this place quite complete, there is a place of worship, public toilets are fairly clean and the availability of food and lodging near the beach. On the beach Charlita often used as a place to organize an event, whether formal events such as meeting and colloquium, this place is also a favorite place among the young mountain Sitoli.
But unfortunately we did not have much time in this place because it must be fast - fast to the airport. Amid the trip turned out the way to the airport landslides, we also panicked because of the departure of stay 1 hour, I finally walked up to 1 km to cross the landslide that and look for motor motorcycle taxi or public transportation vehicle, because our car was trapped. But after I get a car public transport, cars that take us even made it through the streets of the landslide. But upon arrival at the airport turned out to 2.5-hour flight delay. Today (9 / 10) ACI team Sumut 2 true - true in testing his patience. Amid the bad weather, we managed to land in the city of Medan.

By: Ida Hendriawati-/www.detik.com