How 41,000-Year-Old Space Weather Impacted Early Humans: Unraveling the Cosmic Connection

Our first meeting felt a bit off. I’m an archaeologist studying how ancient people interacted with their surroundings. My colleagues are geophysicists focused on how solar activity affects Earth’s magnetic field. At first, we weren’t sure if our project—connecting space weather to human behavior—would work. Fast forward two years, and we’re thrilled with the results.

We published our findings in the journal Science Advances. Our big question was: What happened to life on Earth when the magnetic field nearly collapsed 41,000 years ago?

This event is called the Laschamps Excursion. It was a sudden change in Earth’s magnetic field identified in France. Instead of following a stable pattern, Earth’s magnetic poles wandered chaotically, and the field’s strength dropped dramatically. This loss affected the magnetosphere, which usually protects us from harmful solar radiation.

Because the magnetosphere weakened, our models predict several significant effects. For instance, auroras—usually only visible near the poles—may have reached lower latitudes, ushering in intense displays in the skies. At the same time, solar radiation levels shot up, leading to increased risks for skin damage and other health issues.

So, how did ancient people react? The archaeologist in our group suggested they were likely affected by these changes. Auroras might have inspired awe or fear. However, the archaeological record doesn’t easily capture human emotions or reactions.

We do know that increased UV radiation could have led to higher rates of skin issues. To cope, ancient people might have sought shelter in caves, made protective clothing, or even used ochre—a natural pigment—as a primitive “sunscreen.” Our research indicates that these behaviors likely increased in Europe during this time.

Both Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens lived in Europe then, though they had different approaches to survival. Some groups may have relied more on shelters and materials to adapt to these changing conditions.

We aren’t claiming that space weather solely caused changes in human behavior or that it led to the Neanderthals’ extinction, but it could have been a contributing factor affecting how they adapted to their environment.

Collaborating across such different fields was initially challenging, yet rewarding. Archaeologists study the past through indirect evidence, like artifacts and environmental traces. We often think about climate impacts, but the effects of geomagnetic changes are less considered, even though they are invisible forces shaping our history.

Similarly, geophysicists analyze large datasets and models but may overlook how these factors affect human lives. Archaeology helps us remember that the consequences of space weather extend beyond scientific data; they also influence daily life and survival.

Importantly, the Laschamps Excursion wasn’t a rare occurrence. Similar magnetic disruptions have happened throughout Earth’s history and will continue to do so. By studying how people coped back then, we can gain insights into how future magnetic events might impact our society.

Our collaboration has shown us the value of crossing disciplinary divides. Space connects us all, and understanding the past helps us prepare for the future. Sometimes, the key to survival lies in simple things like clothing or even natural pigments.

For more on the Laschamps Excursion, you can read NASA’s insights on the magnetosphere.

In the end, the scientific endeavor to understand how space weather influenced humanity showcases the importance of teamwork across different fields.

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