Scientists solve 1840s space weather mystery
Summary
Scientists studied an 1871 report about a strong magnetic disturbance that affected railway telegraphs in Exeter, England. They found the reported date of 1841 was likely a mistake because the railway line was not built until 1846.Key Facts
- The Carrington Event of 1859 is known as the first extreme space weather event.
- An 1871 article in Nature described a strong magnetic disturbance causing train delays in Exeter in 1841.
- Researchers found the 1841 date was probably a typo since the railway was built after 1844 and opened in 1846.
- The disturbance interfered with telegraph signals used for train control.
- The telegraph was a new technology in the 1830s and vulnerable to space weather effects.
- Strong geomagnetic storms like the Carrington Event can cause electrical disruptions, fires, and auroras.
- Scientists study past events to better predict and prepare for future space weather impacts on technology.
- Nathaniel John Holmes, an electrical engineer, may have written the anonymous 1871 report.
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