Earliest Datable Records of Aurora-like Phenomena in the Astronomical Diaries from Babylonia

TL;DR

This study analyzes ancient Babylonian astronomical diaries to identify and interpret aurora-like phenomena, providing insights into solar and aurora activity in the first millennium BCE.

Contribution

It presents the first systematic survey of aurora-like records in Babylonian diaries, identifying likely aurora observations from BCE 652 to BCE 61.

Findings

9 records of aurora-like phenomena identified

5 records considered likely aurora observations

Provides new data on solar activity in the first millennium BCE

Abstract

The Astronomical Diaries from Babylonia (ADB) are an excellent source of information of natural phenomena, including astronomical ones, in pre-Christ era because it contains the record of highly continuous and systematic observations. In this article we present results of a survey of aurora-like phenomena in ADB, spanning from BCE 652 to BCE 61. We have found 9 records of aurora-like phenomena. Philological and scientific examinations suggest 5 of them can be considered as likely candidate for aurora observations. They provide unique information about the solar and aurora activities in the first millennium BCE.