Two years into an unlikely collaboration between archaeologists and geophysicists, they have made groundbreaking discoveries about ancient humans’ responses to space weather events.
The study focuses on the 41,000-year-old Laschamps Excursion, a brief but extreme geomagnetic event that saw Earth’s magnetic poles wander erratically and the strength of the magnetic field drop to less than 10% of its modern-day intensity. This led to distortions in the protective magnetosphere, allowing more harmful solar radiation to reach the surface.
While scientists have traditionally focused on the physical effects of space weather, this research highlights the human dimension. Archaeologists believe that ancient people responded to these events with behaviors such as seeking shelter, producing tailored clothing for better coverage, and applying natural “sunscreen” like ochre to their skin.
The team’s collaboration has shown how much can be learned by crossing disciplinary boundaries. By integrating archaeology and geophysics, they have provided insight into how ancient humans adapted to space weather events, which may provide valuable lessons for understanding future events and preparing our world.
This research emphasizes the connection between Earth and space, demonstrating that even the smallest things – like ochre or a coat – can hold significant importance in understanding human responses to environmental challenges.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/humans-felt-the-effects-of-weird-space-weather-41000-years-ago