Did changes in numder of sunspots affect earth in the distant past?

Answer 1

Probably so, and it still does today. We don't know the reason for the connection, but the weather is typically colder during times when the sunspot number is low for long periods. There have been two multi-decade long periods of very low sunspot activity, the Maunder Minimum and the Dalton Minimum. Each is associated with extended periods of unusually cold weather.

Answer 2

Yes, changes in sunspot activity can indirectly affect Earth's climate through variations in the amount of solar radiation reaching our planet. In the past, periods of low sunspot activity, such as the Maunder Minimum in the 17th century, have coincided with colder temperatures on Earth, while periods of high sunspot activity have shown a slight warming trend.