In 1859, Earth experienced the most powerful solar flare ever recorded, causing stunning aurorae and disrupting telegraph systems globally. Known as the Carrington event, this celestial phenomenon left a lasting impact on our planet. Researchers have now uncovered new evidence of this historic storm in the rings of polar trees, shedding light on the event’s intensity and effects.
Unlike previous studies focused on mid-latitude trees, this research examined trees above the Arctic Circle in Finland. By analyzing carbon-14 levels in tree rings from the time of the Carrington event, scientists discovered a significant increase in polar trees compared to those in lower latitudes. This finding suggests that polar trees may offer valuable insights into moderate solar storms.
The unique sensitivity of polar trees to solar activity could be linked to how solar particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field. Solar flares emit particles that interact with the magnetosphere, creating aurorae and disrupting radio signals. By studying polar tree rings, researchers can better understand the impact of solar storms on our planet.
2024-04-09 07:00:00
Original from www.sciencenews.org
