How can one predict when a solar storm will hit Earth? By continuously monitoring the Sun and studying its cycles, we can tell us when activities causing solar storms will occur on the Sun in the future. These solar storms have deep effects on things on Earth. Scientists have found in a study that trees can tell scientists when the next giant solar storm will occur.
The Carrington event of 1859 was a powerful geomagnetic storm that occurred on September 1–2, 1859. During that event, a major solar flare was observed just before the storm. This resulted in a huge explosion of charged particles releasing huge amounts of energy. When these particles interacted with the Earth’s magnetosphere, a massive geomagnetic storm was created.
Now, a study coordinated by the University of Helsinki has revealed a discovery hidden within the trees of Lapland. The discovery provides clues about one of the largest solar storms to hit Earth 165 years ago, the 1859 Carrington event. This study was published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.
The effects of powerful storms coming from the Sun leave lasting effects on trees. (Symbolic photo: Shutterstock)
In this, researchers detected an increase in the amount of radiocarbon within tree rings after the 1859 event. The findings provide important information for preparing for such future solar storms. By analyzing tree rings in Lapland, researchers identified an increase in radiocarbon levels associated with the Carrington storm.
This discovery revealed an important clue about solar activity and its effect on the Earth’s atmosphere and will also help predict when such storms will occur in the future. Markku Oinonen, director of the Chronology Laboratory at the University of Helsinki, who led the study, said that radiocarbon is like a cosmic marker that describes events related to Earth, the solar system and outer space.
Mapping solar storms and understanding their frequency is important for the preparedness of modern society. While smaller storms are routinely monitored with advanced technology, medium-sized events like the Carrington storm pose a challenge due to their rarity.
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FIRST PUBLISHED: April 7, 2024, 07:56 IST
