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In 1831, the Sun Shined Blue for Months! Scientists Finally Reveal the Cause of the Rare Phenomenon 

Written by Valdemar Medeiros
Published 13/02/2025 às 09:07
In 1831, the Sun Glowed Blue for Months - Scientists Finally Reveal the Cause of the Rare Phenomenon
Blue Sun/AI Generated Photo

UK scientists solve mystery of blue sun: Nearly 200-year-old mystery of blue-hued sun has been solved and the reason is truly surprising — be sure to check it out!

In 1831, a rare and intriguing event caught the attention of researchers and observers around the world. For several months, the Sun appeared in shades of blue, accompanied by shades of purple and green, creating a stunning visual phenomenon. For more than a century, the mystery of the blue Sun remained unexplained, sparking theories and speculation. However, recent studies, including analyses conducted by scientists from NASA and meteorological institutions, indicate that the phenomenon was caused by the eruption of the Krakatoa volcano in Indonesia, whose ash released into the atmosphere filtered sunlight in an unusual way. This discovery finally sheds light on one of the rarest atmospheric phenomena ever recorded.

Understand the phenomenon of the Sun in shades of blue that occurred in 1831

The phenomenon, which puzzled experts at the time, remained unexplained for almost 200 years, until advances in technology finally allowed a concrete answer to the mystery of the blue Sun. During the summer of 1831, reports of abnormally cold temperatures and severe weather conditions were reported in various parts of the world.

Historical records indicate that harvests were severely impacted by the Blue Sun, causing famine and economic hardship, especially in the northern hemisphere. Scientists at the time suggested that a volcanic eruption was behind this episode, however, the lack of accurate records prevented this confirmation.

Recently, scientists at the University of St. Andrews in the United Kingdom were finally able to identify the origin of the phenomenon that turned the sun blue. Using modern technology to analyze microfragments of ash and polar ice samples, the team discovered a direct link between the ash found and the eruption of a volcano located in the Kuril Islands, called Zavaritskii, currently part of Russian territory.

According to the study leader, Dr. William Hutchison, the moment this centuries-old mystery was solved was simply incredible. Analysis showed that the potassium level in the samples exactly matched the ash from the Russian volcano, confirming its responsibility for the blue Sun.

Understand why the volcano turned the sun blue

The eruption of the volcano, discovered by scientists, released a very large amount of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, generating layers and aerosols that reflected sunlight differently, turning the sun blue and reducing global temperatures.

Similar phenomena have occurred in other years, such as the eruption of Mount Tambora in 1815, which led to the famous “year without a summer.” Although the 1831 event has finally been explained, scientists warn that large-scale volcanic eruptions still pose a significant risk to the global climate.

According to Hutchison, it is essential that there is a coordinated plan to respond to future events of this magnitude, given that their occurrence can generate drastic impacts on the economy, daily life and agriculture in several regions of the world.

The discovery not only sheds light on one of the great scientific mysteries of the past, but also highlights the importance of monitoring volcanoes and studying climate change for the future of humanity.

Find out why the mystery of the Sun in shades of blue remained for so long

The study's author also mentions that finding the blue sun's match took a long time, in addition to requiring extensive help from other scientists in Russia and Japan, who sent back sample collections from remote volcanoes decades ago.

According to scientists, it took centuries to discover the phenomenon that turned the Sun blue because the Kuril Islands are a region with little-studied but extremely productive volcanoes. The volcano responsible for the eruption in 1831 was very remote, but it had a major global impact on the climate and severe consequences for human populations.

Dr. Hutchison also concludes by stating that there are many volcanoes like this one, showing how difficult it will be to predict when or where the next major eruption might occur.

Source: Olhar Digital

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Valdemar Medeiros

Journalist in training, specialist in creating content with a focus on SEO actions. Writes about the Automotive Industry, Renewable Energy and Science and Technology

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