41,000 Years Ago: How Homo Sapiens Survived a Geomagnetic Reversal
2025-05-10
A new study suggests that a cataclysmic geomagnetic reversal 41,000 years ago (the Laschamps excursion), which weakened Earth's magnetic field, exposed our ancestors to harmful solar radiation. Homo sapiens adapted by seeking shelter in caves, creating clothing, and using ochre pigments as sunscreen. Neanderthals, however, seemingly failed to adapt, potentially contributing to their decline. The study proposes a novel hypothesis linking this event to the rise of Homo sapiens and the demise of Neanderthals, though further research is needed to confirm the correlation.