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Alpine trees have helped scientists solve the mystery of a solar superstorm that occurred 14,300 years ago.
Scientists have discovered a dramatic burst of radiocarbon 14,300 years ago, caused by the largest known solar storm. Such a phenomenon today could lead to catastrophic consequences for modern technologies and losses in the billions of dollars.
An international team of researchers has identified a huge spike in radiocarbon dating while analyzing ancient tree rings found in the French Alps. The surge was caused by a massive solar storm, the most powerful ever identified.
A similar solar storm today could be a disaster for today's technological society, threatening telecommunications, satellite systems, causing extensive power outages, and causing billions of dollars in damage.
The main content of the study was published on October 9 in the journal The Royal Society's Philosophical Transactions A. Researchers from Collège de France, CEREGE, IMBE, Aix-Marseille University and the University of Leeds analyzed radiocarbon levels in ancient trees near the banks of the River Drouzet.
Professor Eduard Bard, lead author of the study, stressed that radiocarbon is constantly produced in the upper atmosphere due to cosmic rays. However, extreme solar events can also create short-term bursts of energetic particles.
Tim Heaton, a professor of applied statistics, noted that such superstorms could cause irreversible damage to the transformers of our electrical networks, causing extensive failures lasting for months.
Historically, such powerful solar storms, known as Miyake events, have occurred nine times in the last 15,000 years. However, the 14,300-year-old storm just identified is the largest of these.
The most powerful solar storm ever observed occurred in 1859 and is known as the Carrington event. However, Miyake's events would be an order of magnitude more powerful.
Professor Heaton stressed that radiocarbon provides a unique method for studying the history of the Earth. Each new discovery helps not only answer existing key questions, but also generates new ones.
Scientists have discovered a dramatic burst of radiocarbon 14,300 years ago, caused by the largest known solar storm. Such a phenomenon today could lead to catastrophic consequences for modern technologies and losses in the billions of dollars.
An international team of researchers has identified a huge spike in radiocarbon dating while analyzing ancient tree rings found in the French Alps. The surge was caused by a massive solar storm, the most powerful ever identified.
A similar solar storm today could be a disaster for today's technological society, threatening telecommunications, satellite systems, causing extensive power outages, and causing billions of dollars in damage.
The main content of the study was published on October 9 in the journal The Royal Society's Philosophical Transactions A. Researchers from Collège de France, CEREGE, IMBE, Aix-Marseille University and the University of Leeds analyzed radiocarbon levels in ancient trees near the banks of the River Drouzet.
Professor Eduard Bard, lead author of the study, stressed that radiocarbon is constantly produced in the upper atmosphere due to cosmic rays. However, extreme solar events can also create short-term bursts of energetic particles.
Tim Heaton, a professor of applied statistics, noted that such superstorms could cause irreversible damage to the transformers of our electrical networks, causing extensive failures lasting for months.
Historically, such powerful solar storms, known as Miyake events, have occurred nine times in the last 15,000 years. However, the 14,300-year-old storm just identified is the largest of these.
The most powerful solar storm ever observed occurred in 1859 and is known as the Carrington event. However, Miyake's events would be an order of magnitude more powerful.
Professor Heaton stressed that radiocarbon provides a unique method for studying the history of the Earth. Each new discovery helps not only answer existing key questions, but also generates new ones.
