Helsinki, Finland

The Carrington Event of 1859 was a powerful geomagnetic storm that occurred on September 1-2, 1859. During that event, a major solar flare was observed just before the storm. The event is also sometimes called the Solar Superstorm of 1859 or the Carrington Flare.

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The solar flare observed by Carrington emitted a huge amount of energy. This sent a massive burst of charged particles towards Earth. When these particles interacted with the Earth's magnetosphere, they caused a severe geomagnetic storm.

Now, a study coordinated by the University of Helsinki has unveiled a discovery hidden within Lapland's trees. This discovery has indicated clues about one of the largest solar storms to hit Earth 165 years ago - the same Carrington Event of 1859. 

The study was published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. As part of the study, researchers detected a surge in radiocarbon concentration within tree rings in the aftermath of the 1859 event

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The findings have provided crucial information for preparing for such future solar storms.

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By analysing tree rings in Lapland, researchers from the University of Helsinki, Natural Resources Institute Finland, and the University of Oulu identified a rise in radiocarbon levels linked to the Carrington storm. This finding unveiled a vital clue about solar activity and its impact on Earth's atmosphere.

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Director of the University of Helsinki's Laboratory of Chronology, Markku Oinonen, who led the study reportedly said, "Radiocarbon is like a cosmic marker describing phenomena associated with Earth, the solar system, and outer space." 

The method involved extracting samples from tree rings, converting them into pure carbon, and measuring radiocarbon levels using a particle accelerator. This innovative approach offered a unique perspective on historical solar events and their repercussions.

Mapping solar storms and understanding their frequency is crucial for modern society's preparedness.

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While smaller storms are routinely monitored with advanced technology, medium-sized events like the Carrington storm present a challenge due to their rarity.

Postdoctoral Researcher Kseniia Golubenko from the University of Oulu reportedly said, "The dynamic atmospheric carbon transport model was specifically developed for describing geographical differences in the distribution of radiocarbon in the atmosphere." 

(With inputs from agencies)