Much of our understanding of severe space weather comes from the Carrington Event of 1859. This geomagnetic storm was the most powerful ever recorded and caused wild fluctuations in the Earth’s magnetic field. It generated electricity in long wires. Telegraph operators felt electric shocks, and sparks flew from pylons. Some operators even managed to communicate while their batteries were disconnected.
Although this happened more than 160 years ago, today’s technology could make the impact of a similar event even more chaotic. For instance, satellites are particularly vulnerable. Strong solar storms can expand the Earth’s atmosphere, increasing drag on these satellites. This can slow them down enough to cause them to fall from orbit.
In February 2022, a solar storm led to the loss of 38 satellites. Recent studies indicate that as our reliance on technology grows, the potential damage from space weather becomes more urgent. In fact, experts estimate that a major solar event could cost the United States billions of dollars and disrupt daily life for months.
When satellites experience orbital changes, the risk of collisions increases. Additionally, sensitive electronics onboard can malfunction due to space weather. Radio communications can suffer too; disruptions to GPS systems might last for days, affecting navigation everywhere—from personal vehicles to public transport systems.
Ultimately, as we continue to rely on technology, understanding space weather’s risks is more critical than ever. Keeping an eye on solar activity and preparing for potential impacts can help mitigate these dangers.
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