Scientists Worry About Solar Storms’ Potential to Disrupt Power Grids and Satellites on Earth

Scientists are growing concerned about an unprecedented solar storm that could have severe consequences for Earth and humanity as the Sun approaches the solar maximum. Currently, we are witnessing heightened solar activity, with frequent occurrence of massive solar storms. The solar maximum, which occurs every 11 years, marks the peak of solar activities. Typically, these storms have minimal impact on Earth, but occasionally they become so intense that they generate powerful geomagnetic storms, disrupting electrical infrastructure such as the power grid and satellites. NASA warns that if such a solar storm were to occur, it could jeopardize the safety and well-being of people. There is now apprehension that such a colossal solar storm may transpire in the coming years.

Solar storms in the coming years

According to a Business Insider report. three dangerous solar events can massively affect the Earth’s magnetic field. These events are called solar flares, coronal holes, or coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These solar storms can damage the Earth’s ionized layer, which protects the planet from dangerous space environments.

Scientists fear that such an event could happen at any moment, especially when the sun’s activity is at its peak. After the sun’s 11th solar cycle, the sun has the power to create more dangerous sunspots, CMEs, solar flares, and coronal holes. These massive solar events can create once-in-a-lifetime events that could endanger humanity.

“Much stronger events do not occur every cycle. But at most, during a strong cycle like the one coming, it’s more likely to have some events that cause blackouts here on Earth,” Business Insider quoted Daniel Verscharen, an assistant professor of space and climate physics at University College London, as saying.

According to reports, scientists are more concerned about the next solar cycle, as the constant solar activity already causes minor effects on Earth, such as radio blackouts. The current solar cycle is expected to peak in 2025, and high-latitude regions such as the US, Canada, Sweden and the UK are more vulnerable to space weather.

A big concern for scientists is that the sun’s magnetic fields point south, and the charged particles it emits may carry a magnetic charge opposite to Earth’s magnetic field. This makes it easier for solar particles to break through this earth’s protective shield.

These solar events don’t just happen recently, it’s been going on forever, and in 1859 Earth experienced the largest solar storm ever recorded. It’s called the Carrington event. The solar storm caused strong electrical currents across telegraph lines, and operators were electrocuted from their equipment. This even caused fires to break out in telegraph stations. Most recently, it happened in 1940, when a solar storm caused Metallilangat to crackle.