Scientists have uncovered evidence of an immense solar storm that struck Earth around 664–663 BCE in a study published in Communications Earth & Environment. According to researchers from the University of Arizona, including dendrochronologist Dr Irina Panyushkina and radiocarbon expert Dr Timothy Jull, the “Miyake Event” left traces in ancient tree rings. These findings highlight the potential dangers such storms pose to modern technology-dependent societies.
What Are Miyake Events?
Named after Japanese physicist Fusa Miyake, who first identified them in 2012, Miyake Events are characterised by sharp increases in radiocarbon isotopes. These events are extremely rare, with only six confirmed occurrences in the past 14,500 years. The most recent was detected in tree-ring samples from Siberia, offering crucial insight into ancient solar activity.
Radiocarbon forms when cosmic radiation interacts with nitrogen in the atmosphere, eventually converting into carbon dioxide, which trees absorb during photosynthesis. In a statement, Dr Panyushkina explained that carbon-14 enters tree rings as part of the wood, recording solar activity year by year.
Evidence from Trees and Ice Cores
To confirm these findings, the team compared tree-ring data with beryllium-10 isotopes locked in ice cores from polar regions. Both isotopes increase during heightened solar activity, providing a dual record of past events.
The researchers matched the data to pinpoint the event’s occurrence nearly 2,700 years ago. In a subsequent statement, Dr Panyushkina said that by analysing radiocarbon in tree rings alongside beryllium-10 in polar ice, they can confirm the timing of these rare solar storms.
Implications for Modern Technology
While fascinating, these events could devastate today’s technology-reliant world. Satellite networks, power grids and communication systems would be at risk if a storm of this magnitude occurred now, according to EarthSky.