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“The problem begins with the electric power grid, which is particularly vulnerable to bad space weather. Ground currents induced during geomagnetic storms can actually melt the copper windings of transformers at the heart of many power distribution systems. (Do you remember me talking about
ground currents rippling The ensuing loss of electricity would ripple across the country with "water distribution affected within several hours; perishable foods and medications lost in 12-24 hours; loss of heating/air conditioning, sewage disposal, phone service, fuel re-supply and so on." A geomagnetic storm in August-September 1859 electrified telegraph lines, shocking technicians and setting their telegraph papers on fire. Northern Lights spread as far south as Cuba and Hawaii, while auroras over the Rocky Mountains glowed so brightly that campers awoke and began preparing breakfast because they thought it was morning. NASA has deployed a fleet of spacecraft to study the sun and its eruptions. The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), the twin STEREO probes, ACE, Wind and others are on duty 24/7 “At the moment,” says Dr. Tony Phillips, “no one knows when the next super solar storm will erupt. It could be 100 years away or just 100 days. It's something to think about the next time you flush.” See all of this fine article by
Dr. Tony Phillips |
Credit:
Science@NASA
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