Unprecedented Magnetic Storm: Aurorae Illuminate Earth from Tropics to Poles

Scientists have quantified one of the largest magnetic storms in history, known as the Chapman-Silverman storm in February 1872. The storm produced auroras observed from the polar regions to the tropics, disrupting telegraph communications and impacting technological infrastructure even in the tropics. The study confirms that extreme geomagnetic storms are more common than previously thought and highlights the vulnerability of modern society to such events. The research involved a collaboration of scientists from nine countries and emphasizes the importance of preserving and analyzing historical records to assess and mitigate the impact of future space weather events.