Somewhere Algore is cursing the heavensFollow

The CLOUD (Cosmics Leaving OUtdoor Droplets) project at CERN is using the proton synchrotron at the LHC to investigate the controversial link between cosmic rays and cloud formation. This week Nature contains a paper on the first round of findings.
[...]
The initial findings of the CLOUD experiment don’t contain anything earth-shattering, and don’t really address the possible effects on climate. Nevertheless, the experiment is showing some very interesting results.
[...]
Despite what the results reveal about the nucleation process, they can’t be directly linked to cloud formation. The particles created in the cloud chamber are still much too small to form proper condensation nuclei that can seed clouds. In addition, there are a lot of unknowns about how nucleation induced by cosmic rays would interact with all the other factors governing cloud formation.

Early results show that the CLOUD experiment will continue to provide valuable insights into the formation of cloud droplets, but there’s a lot of work to be done before arguments about the effect of cosmic rays on climate can be settled.

Secondly, we have found that natural rates of atmospheric ionisation caused by cosmic rays can substantially enhance nucleation under the conditions we studied – by up to a factor of 10. Ion‐enhancement is particularly pronounced in the cool temperatures of the mid‐troposphere and above, where CLOUD has found that sulphuric acid and water vapour can nucleate without the need for additional vapours. This result leaves open the possibility that cosmic rays could also influence climate. However, it is premature to conclude that cosmic rays have a significant influence on climate until the additional nucleating vapours have been identified, their ion enhancement measured, and the ultimate effects on clouds have been confirmed.

Proton Synchrotron sounds like an awesome weapon.

Obammy fast-tracked the paperwork to get cash quick-quick-quick to the solar company, Solyndra at the behest of his political hacks despite OMB's objections to the lack of scrutiny being given to the giveaway.

And over a company no investors wanted a piece of.