Scientists at Kereral University have discovered vital historical data that casts new light on the Carrington event in 1859, one of the most intense geomagnetic storms.
The team drew from long-overlooked magnetic protocols preserved in the historical astronomical observatory Thiruvananthapuram and decoded hidden traces that could transform the understanding of solar mega-bows and their future threat to modern civilization.
The Carrington event, the launched colossal solar eruption, killed Earth’s magnetosphere on September 2, 1859, released global aurory and caused inexplicable overvoltage in telegraph systems. While the 19th century technology tolerated chaos, scientists warn that a similar event can freeze navigation systems, disrupt energy networks, paralyze broadband networks and cell communication, and cause economic losses exceeding $ 1 trillion.
The university’s research team, led by R. Jayakrishnan, director of the Observatory, analyzed the magnetic records made on the days before and after the solar explosion of 1859. Their findings now published in the publication of the Cospar Research Committee (Cospar) Before a century, not only captured the main storm, but also precursor sun flares 28. August 1859.
“Although historically documented, (earlier flares) has long been overlooked due to its modest appearance. The new analysis shows that the incident probably destabilized the magnetic environment of the Earth, which effectively increases damage caused by the subsequent loot only a few days later,” explains prof. Jayakrishnan.
What distinguishes Thiruvananthapuram’s records is the accuracy of its measurement. The magnetic data was captured at 2, 3 and 5 minutes, the contrasting Colaba Observatory in Mumbai, which only recorded data at 5 minutes intervals. These fine -grained analog observations are digitized within the archive initiative supported by the Indian National Science Academy in New Delhi.
Jayakrishnan adds that the study reaffirms the historical role of Keraly in developing research of sunstorms. Using modern model tools for older data sets, scientists have reconstructed how solar energy in the shape of the Earth’s magnetic field before a century and a half.
“We are not just a past, but we are also preparing for tomorrow,” the main investigator said. “Mega-bulls may be rare, but when they hit, they can increase modern life. The knowledge of Thiruvananthapuram helps us to predict such threats.”
Published – 16 July 2025 20:59 IS IS
