evidence: Sun is in quiet ‘lockdown’ period of solar cycle – but scientists dismiss ‘apocalypse’ theories OUR sun has gone into lockdown, with reduced solar activity as part of an 11-year cycle. [...] Disclaimer: A previous version of this article included misleading claims that the current solar minimum may be linked to extreme cold weather, crop loss, famine, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The scientific consensus disagrees with these claims, and the article has been amended.