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Posted on March 11, 2019
"If this solar storm had occurred today, it could have had serious effects on our high-tech society," says Raimund Muscheler, professor of geology at Lund University in Sweden. The researchers confirmed that Earth had been hit by two extreme solar storms more than 1,000 years ago.
New research indicates that solar storms can be even more powerful than measurements made to date by direct observations. The new international study, led by researchers from Lund University, used ice cores to find clues about previous solar storms. The carrots come from Greenland and contain ice formed over the last 100,000 years. The material contains evidence of a very powerful solar storm that occurred in 660 BC.
Solar storms can be much more powerful than previously thought. A new study found evidence of the third known case of massive solar storm in historical times. Researchers believe that society may not be sufficiently prepared if a similar event occurs now.
The Earth is constantly bombarded by cosmic particles. However, the particle flow is particularly strong when a solar storm passes. Solar storms consist of high energy particles released from the sun by explosions on the surface of the star.
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Over the last 70 years, researchers have studied these solar storms through direct instrumental observations, which has led to the understanding that they can pose a risk to the power grid, communications systems, satellites and traffic. air. Two examples of severe solar storms in modern times that caused numerous power outages occurred in Quebec (Canada) (1989) and Malmö (Sweden) (2003).
Raimund Muscheler also took part in research that confirmed two other massive solar storms, using both ice cores and annual growth rings of old trees. These storms occurred in 775 and 994 CE. He points out that even though these massive solar storms are rare, the new discovery shows that they constitute a naturally recurrent effect of solar activity.
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"That's why we need to strengthen the protection of society against solar storms," he says.
Today's risk assessment is largely based on direct observations over the last 70 years, but Raimund Muscheler believes that a new assessment is needed in light of the three huge solar storms that have occurred. discoveries. He argues that it is necessary to become more aware of the possibility of very strong solar storms and the vulnerability of society.
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"Our research suggests that risks are currently underestimated. We need to be better prepared, "concludes Muscheler. The study is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Explore further: traces of huge solar storms in the ice of Greenland and Antarctica
For more information: Paschal O'Hare et al., "Multiradionuclide Evidence of an Extreme Event of Solar Protons around 2,610 B.P. (~ 660 BC)", PNAS (2019). www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1815725116
Journal Reference: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
The Daily Galaxy via Lund University
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