Produced by: Manoj Kumar
Ancient tree rings reveal terrifying clues of massive solar storms that could be deadly today. WVU researcher Amy Hessl warns these ancient events might signal the return of cosmic killers.
According to Hessl, a storm like this today could expose high-altitude passengers and astronauts to lethal radiation, potentially delivering a lifetime dose in minutes.
Known as “Miyake events,” these extreme storms from 774 AD and 993 AD were so intense they left radioactive marks in tree rings, sparking fears of modern devastation.
Tree rings absorb atmospheric radiocarbon each year, preserving evidence of deadly cosmic storms that could strike again with far-reaching, catastrophic effects.
Bristlecone pines, the longest-living trees, hold chilling data of cosmic storms across centuries. Hessl’s team examines these survivors for clues on apocalyptic threats.
Studying multiple tree species, from bristlecone pines to oaks, Hessl’s team checks if all trees register these deadly events, ensuring consistent warnings from nature.
Hessl and her team are testing the accuracy of trees as recorders of cosmic storms. Their findings could be crucial to predicting life-threatening future events.
Hessl warns that a storm on the scale of past Miyake events would wreak havoc on global communications, taking decades to repair—and potentially costing lives.
With National Science Foundation support, Hessl’s research aims to alert industries to these cosmic threats, preparing technology and infrastructure for the unthinkable.