Activity in the sun significantly increased during the 20th century and remains at a high level, according to new research by a team of scientists working in Finland. Global temperatures have risen by 1 degree Fahrenheit over the past 200 years, but scientists have been debating whether this rise can be attributed to natural or man-made causes. It is believed a further rise of two or three degrees could spell disaster for earth's climate. Scientists examined the amount of Titanium 44, a radioactive isotope, contained within meteorites recovered over the past 240 years, and discovered a consistent trend in their results pointing at increased solar activity.

Quote: "Prior research relied on measurements of certain radioactive elements within tree rings and in the ice sheets covering Greenland and Antarctica, which can be altered by terrestrial processes, not just by solar activity. The isotope measured in the new study is not affected by conditions on Earth. The results, detailed in this week's issue of the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics Letters, "confirm that there was indeed an increase in solar activity over the last 100 years or so," Usoskin told SPACE.com.

Revelation states that during the time of the tribulation, that an angel will pour out its vial of judgement upon the sun, and that men would blaspheme the God of heaven because of the great heat. As I've said before, for a long time I believed this may have been related to global warming or depletion of the ozone layer. While that may come into it, to me, a significant increase in solar activity seems to fit the description better. Scientists have already stated that they are expecting this next solar cycle to be 50% higher than the previous, and that this cycle will peak in 2012. Is it possible that this increase in solar activity, which could significantly alter the world's weather systems and disrupt communication, be the precursor to this prophecy?

Revelation 16:8-9
And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.

Source Space, SF Gate