Supernovae and Single-Year Anomalies in the Atmospheric Radiocarbon Record

TL;DR

This study investigates whether historical supernovae caused detectable single-year spikes in atmospheric radiocarbon levels, concluding that no such effects have been observed in the past record despite multiple events.

Contribution

The paper combines new and existing radiocarbon data over six supernovae to assess their impact on atmospheric 14C, providing evidence that supernovae do not produce detectable radiocarbon anomalies.

Findings

No distinct 14C spikes linked to supernovae in the past record

Previous 14C spikes attributed to solar events, not supernovae

Supports the idea that supernovae do not significantly affect atmospheric radiocarbon levels

Abstract

Single-year spikes in radiocarbon production are caused by intense bursts of radiation from space. Supernovae emit both high-energy particle and electromagnetic radiation, but it is the latter that is most likely to strike the atmosphere all at once and cause a surge in 14C production. In the 1990s, it was claimed that the supernova in 1006 CE produced exactly this effect. With the 14C spikes in the years 775 and 994 CE now attributed to extreme solar events, attention has returned to the question of whether historical supernovae are indeed detectable using annual 14C measurements. Here, we combine new and existing measurements over six documented and putative supernovae, and conclude that no such astrophysical event has yet left a distinct imprint on the past atmospheric 14C record.