/ Modified jun 5, 2025 4:09 p.m.

Tracking solar storms through tree ring research

Some of the most traumatic highlights in Earth’s history can be found in ancient tree rings.

Arizona Science 6/5/25 thumb
UArizona Lab of tree ring research and NASA

The Research Corporation for Science Advancement
Arizona Science

Arizona Science pgm 441 6/5/25

This episode is supported by the The Research Corporation for Science Advancement.
NPR

Some of the most traumatic highlights in Earth’s history can be found in ancient tree rings. University of Arizona researcher Charlotte Pearson discusses how scientists have found evidence of solar flares that struck the planet thousands of years ago, and how solar weather can damage infrastructure on Earth today.

Charlotte Pearson spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

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