A Record-Setting Solar Storm Hit the Earth 14,300 Years Ago, According to Ancient Trees

The latest discovery of a Miyake-level solar storm only emphasizes that the disasters have struck with some regularity throughout history and likely will again.

By Matt Hrodey
Oct 10, 2023 8:00 PMOct 10, 2023 7:53 PM
Solar flare heading for the earth
A solar flare heads for the earth, which is partially protected by its magnetosphere. (Credit: NASA)

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On Sept. 1, 1859, the brunt of a solar storm collided with Earth, disabling much of the world’s telegraph system. Sparks reportedly flew from telegraph machines, and the night sky turned an apocalyptic red, causing birds to chirp at what they thought was dawn.

Today, scientists believe that in 1859, Earth collided with a massive number of electrically charged particles shot from the sun, all part of a coronal mass ejection. The episode became known as the Carrington Event, after the amateur astronomer, Richard Carrington, who observed the related sunspots that morning with his telescope.

Ancient Tree Rings Reveal a Solar Storm

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