Scientists have recently discovered a sharp surge of radiocarbon 14,300 years ago, which was caused by the largest solar storm ever recorded. This finding has raised concerns about the potential catastrophic consequences a similar solar storm could have on modern technologies, resulting in billions of dollars in losses.
An international group of researchers made this discovery while analyzing ancient tree rings found in the French Alps. By studying these rings, they determined that the surge in radiocarbon was a result of a massive solar storm, the most powerful one ever identified.
If a similar solar storm were to occur today, it could spell disaster for modern technological society. Telecommunications and satellite systems would be threatened, electric networks would experience extensive malfunctions, and the resulting damage could amount to billions of dollars.
The main findings of this study were published on October 9th in the journal the Royal Society’s Philosophical Transactions. The research was conducted by scientists from Collège de France, Cerege, IMBE, AICS-Marcel University, and Lids University, who analyzed radiocarbon levels in ancient trees near the Druzet River.
Professor Eduard Bard, the leading author of the study, highlighted that radiocarbon is constantly produced in the upper atmosphere as a result of cosmic rays. However, extreme solar events can also generate short-term bursts of energetic particles.
Professor Tim Hilton, an expert in applied statistics, warned that such a powerful solar storm could cause irreversible damage to transformers in our electric networks, leading to extensive malfunctions lasting for months. He noted that historically, these intense solar storms, known as the Miyak events, have occurred nine times in the past 15,000 years. The storm identified 14,300 years ago, however, was the largest among them.
The most powerful solar storm ever observed took place in 1859 and is known as the Carrington event. However, the Miyak events would be significantly more powerful in comparison.
Professor Hilton emphasized that radiocarbon provides a unique method for studying Earth’s history, as each new discovery helps answer existing questions and gives rise to new ones.