Researchers have discovered with the help of tree rings that a huge solar storm hit the Earth 2687 years ago. If it occurred today, the storm could destroy the technology-dependent world.
Giant solar storm PHOTO: Shutterstock
According to Live Science, a “cataclysmic” solar storm hit Earth about 2,687 years ago, according to ancient tree rings studied by experts.
A research team at the University of Arizona led by Irina Panyushkina and Timothy Jull has discovered evidence of colossal solar storms known as Miyake Events.
These space events are so rare that only six have been detected in the last 14,500 years. The event of 660 BC has so far eluded researchers, Live Science reports. They determined that a similar storm would destroy the current technology-dependent world.
“If it happened today, it would have cataclysmic effects on communications technology”Panyushkina said in a statement.
Modern technology ensures that very little goes unnoticed. A fleet of satellites constantly monitors space weather, while scientists analyze the data and study its effects on Earth. Meanwhile, sky watchers turn their gazes and cameras skyward to capture the mesmerizing auroras ignited by geomagnetic storms.
Miyake, a collaborator on Panyushkina’s team, has published research that reveals the distinctive signature of these events: strong increases in radioactive isotopes of carbon, particularly carbon-14, found in the growth rings of trees.
The study was published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment.
