‘A cosmic killer’: Ancient clues uncover a mysterious, lethal solar threat looming over Earth
Produced by: Manoj Kumar
Solar Threat
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.
Fatal Radiation
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.
Ancient Disasters
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.
Radiation Records
Tree rings absorb atmospheric radiocarbon each year, preserving evidence of deadly cosmic storms that could strike again with far-reaching, catastrophic effects.
Survival Trees
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.
Cross-Species Signals
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.
Reliability Test
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.
Modern Nightmare
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.
Preparedness Push
With National Science Foundation support, Hessl’s research aims to alert industries to these cosmic threats, preparing technology and infrastructure for the unthinkable.