Ancient Sunscreen: How Early Humans Survived a Solar Storm Apocalypse 41,000 Years Ago

By University of Michigan
April 19, 2025



About 41,000 years ago, during the Laschamps geomagnetic excursion that weakened Earth’s magnetic field and let in more harmful UV and cosmic radiation, Homo sapiens in Europe began using tailored clothing, ochre-based “sunscreen,” and caves for protection. Neanderthals, who lacked these adaptations, disappeared from the fossil record around 40,000 years ago. Credit: SciTechDaily.com


About 41,000 years ago, Homo sapiens may have survived increased solar radiation caused by a weakening magnetic field by using sunscreen-like ochre, tailored clothing, and caves. Neanderthals, lacking these technologies, likely faced greater exposure and disappeared around the same time.

Ancient Homo sapiens may have survived a spike in solar radiation about 41,000 years ago thanks to early technologies like sunscreen, tailored clothing, and shelter in caves, according to new research from the University of Michigan.

The study, published in Science Advances by researchers from Michigan Engineering and the U-M Department of Anthropology, suggests that these innovations helped protect Homo sapiens in Europe during a period of intense environmental stress, when Earth’s magnetic field temporarily weakened.

During this time, the magnetic North Pole shifted over Europe as part of a geomagnetic excursion, a natural but temporary reversal in Earth’s magnetic field that has occurred roughly 180 times in geological history. Although the magnetic poles didn’t fully reverse, the weakening of the field allowed more ultraviolet (UV) radiation to reach the planet’s surface, triggering widespread auroras and increasing solar exposure globally.

In contrast, Neanderthals, who lacked similar protective technologies, disappeared from the fossil record around 40,000 years ago, shortly after this event. The researchers propose that this technological gap may have played a role in their extinction.

More:
https://scitechdaily.com/ancient-sunscreen-how-early-humans-survived-a-solar-storm-apocalypse-41000-years-ago/