A historic solar storm proves the Vikings arrived in the Americas before Columbus

The transcript discusses a study that confirms Vikings settled in Canada by AD 1021, using evidence from a solar storm and tree ring analysis. The study reanalyzed wood cut with Viking tools, showing Vikings arrived in the Americas 471 years before Columbus. The Vikings likely explored westward for resources, notably wood.

What year did the Vikings settle in Canada according to the study?

• AD 1021

• AD 1492

• AD 993

• AD 1066

What method did scientists use to correlate the solar storm with Viking activity?

• Satellite imagery

• DNA analysis of Viking remains

• Radiocarbon concentration in tree rings

• Carbon dating of artifacts

What did the reanalysis of wood from the 1960s reveal about Viking activity?

• Vikings settled in Iceland

• Vikings cut trees in AD 1021

• Vikings used stone tools

• Vikings arrived in AD 1492

How many years before Columbus did the Vikings arrive in the Americas?

• 500 years

• 471 years

• 1000 years

• 300 years

What was the primary resource the Vikings sought in their westward exploration?

• Spices

• Wood

• Silk

• Gold