What Struck Earth in 775?
August 31, 2012 9:32 PM Subscribe
In 775 C.E., while Charlemagne was ruling his Frankish kingdom, something mysterious struck Earth. From 774 to 775 C.E., the atmospheric level of radioactive carbon-14 jumped by 1.2%. This indicates that cosmic rays—high-speed, charged particles from space—bombarded our planet and converted some atmospheric nitrogen-14 into carbon-14. The scientists argue against two logical suspects: solar flares are too weak to do the job, and no supernova explosion was seen at the time, nor do any nearby supernova remnants date back to Charlemagne's time. It remains a mystery that could happen again.
This post was deleted for the following reason: Really interesting, but the link is basically just a blurb and the article it links to is paywalled. This would be great for a repost if you can find more in-depth info. -- taz
775 - That's where I'm a viking!
posted by blaneyphoto at 9:46 PM on August 31, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by blaneyphoto at 9:46 PM on August 31, 2012 [1 favorite]
Lies. All thinking people know that the Early Middle Ages did not exist. This is just science trying to cover up for counting errors in order to continue propagating it's lies. For nefarious conspiratorial purposes. That I can't explain.
posted by allen.spaulding at 9:48 PM on August 31, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by allen.spaulding at 9:48 PM on August 31, 2012 [2 favorites]
Man they are really pushing the envelope for viral marketing for season seven.
Besides everyone knows it was when the lizard people came to earth to rule as our gods and masters.
posted by The Whelk at 9:49 PM on August 31, 2012
Besides everyone knows it was when the lizard people came to earth to rule as our gods and masters.
posted by The Whelk at 9:49 PM on August 31, 2012
What about a supernova that would only be visible from the Southern Hemisphere?
How many cultures living south of the equator were keeping accurate written astronomical/logical records in the 8th century?
posted by thecjm at 9:49 PM on August 31, 2012
How many cultures living south of the equator were keeping accurate written astronomical/logical records in the 8th century?
posted by thecjm at 9:49 PM on August 31, 2012
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posted by TwelveTwo at 9:43 PM on August 31, 2012