INDEPENDENT.CO.UK

Researchers have identified the biggest ever solar storm -- when the sun emits huge bursts of energy -- using ancient tree rings.

The event happened 14,300 years ago, according to the analysis of ancient tree rings found in the French Alps.

This radiocarbon spike was caused by a massive solar storm, the experts said, adding that a similar storm today could potentially wipe out satellite systems and cause massive electricity grid blackouts, costing billions of pounds.

The academics argue it is important to understand solar storms to protect future communications and energy systems and help build resilience against their effects.

For the study, an international team of researchers, including from the University of Leeds, measured radiocarbon levels in ancient trees on the eroded banks of the Drouzet River, near Gap, in the Southern French Alps.