Researchers have solved a mystery about one of the earliest recorded space weather events. The famous Exeter disruption most likely happened in 1848, not 1841.

A solar storm can disturb Earth's magnetic field and disrupt electrical systems. In the 1840s, the telegraph and railway signals were the most advanced technology at risk.

For years, historians dated the Exeter incident to 1841. New research moves it to 1848. The shift matters for building a reliable history of space weather.

The study also identifies a new earliest credible case: a minute-long delay linked to a solar storm during a March 1847 Midland Railway incident.

Understanding past storms helps scientists prepare for future ones. A strong solar storm today could damage power grids, satellites and communications.

The findings show how old records can hold scientific value. Diaries, railway logs and telegraph notes become data for modern space science.

The British Geological Survey led the research, published this month.