"If it is true that the mechanism is all about rays enhancing diffuse radiation, it would mean that 'global dimming' and 'global brightening' would have a big effect on tree growth and therefore on the absorption of carbon dioxide, " warns Ms Dengel.

BBC: Earth News - Cosmic pattern to UK tree growth

Most diffuse X-ray sources in the Universe have a characteristic temperature because they represent the residual radiation from an event, such as a supernova.

BBC: Arches Cluster, Leicester