Environmental consequences of solar cosmic rays

Cosmogenic isotopes reveal two gigantic cosmic-ray events in 775 and 994AD, triggered by massive solar superflare explosions. These explosions directed an enormous amount of highly energetic particles towards the Earth's atmosphere. Yet, our Sun may generate even more powerful superflares according to recent observations of Sun-like stars.
This VILLUM experiment challenges the traditional view of miniscule environmental consequences associated with superflares. With the aid of a comprehensive earth system model, regional environmental responses to the strongest 775AD event are simulated for the first time as a whole, from the mesosphere to ocean. We particularly interested in Arctic ecosystems and we estimate hazards from increased UV radiation. We also assume a “black-swan” event and study consequences of a monster superflare, such as those observed on Sun-like stars.