The Sun can produce solar storms far larger than the biggest space-weather events recorded by modern instruments, according to research discussed by New Scientist. The article says analysis of exceptionally old trees is used to look for past signatures of these extreme events and to estimate when the next one might occur.
In this account, the growth patterns of long-lived trees act as a historical record, potentially reflecting changes caused by energetic space events such as solar energetic particles. By examining these long-timescale indications, the study argues that Earth may be approaching the conditions associated with another exceptionally large solar storm.
Across the single provided source, the emphasis is on how natural archives can extend the timeline beyond the satellite era and on the implication that a future extreme solar event could be due. No additional outlets or contrasting perspectives were provided in the materials.
