Solar-Terrestrial Environmental History Group
Quantification of Potential Impacts of Historical Extreme Solar Storms on Modern Civilization through Historical Records
In collaboration with Nagoya University’s Center for Digital Humanities and Social Sciences (DHSS), Institute for Space-Earth Environmental Research (ISEE), Nagoya University is working on reconstructions and quantifications of past extreme solar storms and long-term solar-terrestrial environmental changes with historical archival records. This research particularly focuses on historical documents with mentions to sunspots, eclipses, and auroras, archival analog records for measurements of cosmic rays, solar radio emissions, and geomagnetic variability. Additionally, in combination with numerical models, this team aims at estimates of potential impacts to the modern technological infrastructure from such extreme solar storms and long-term solar-terrestrial variability.
Members
Hisashi HAYAKAWA
Designated Assisitant Professor
Institute for Space-Earth Environmental Research, Nagoya University
Division for Integrated Studies
Solar-Terrestrial Physics, Extreme Space Weather, Historical Astronomy, Environmental History
Our research focuses on quantification of extreme solar storms and long-term solar activity on the basis of analyses on historical archival records and analog observational reports of sunspots, geomagnetic disturbances, and aurorae. We aim to extend the chronological coverage of solar storms and solar activity to centennial and millennial timescales, providing insights into the extremity of space weather and space climate over longer periods.
Jun'ichi SAKUMA
Professor
Center for Digital Humanities and Social Sciences, Nagoya University
Yukiko KAWAMOTO
Associate Professor
Center for Digital Humanities and Social Sciences, Nagoya University. Graduate School of Humanities, Nagoya University. Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University. Research Center for Cultural Heritage and Texts, Nagoya University.
Classics, Ancient History (Roman), Architectural History.
My primary research examines the domestic sphere of ancient Rome, particularly houses and gardens in Italy. By integrating classical Greek and Latin literature, archaeological evidence, wood anatomy, and carbon-14 dating, I seek to reconstruct the daily lives of ancient Romans within their households. Previous interdisciplinary research with astronomers analyzing astronomical events through classical sources has led to my involvement in transdisciplinary projects linking space-earth environmental science, history, and archaeology.
Naoya IWATA
Associate Professor
Center for Digital Humanities and Social Sciences, Nagoya University
Ancient Philosophy
I specialize in the epistemology and metaphysics of ancient philosophy, focusing on the works of Plato and Aristotle. My research investigates foundational beliefs and methodologies for knowledge acquisition, contrasting empiricism with innatism. Recently, I have spearheaded the development of “Humanitext Antiqua,” an AI-driven system designed to analyze classical texts using large language models, aiming to modernize methodologies in classical studies and education.