Research on Ancient Massive Solar Storms Suggests a Need to Prepare for the Next Ones

[yaesu]

Numerous powerful X-class solar flares occurred last fall as Solar Cycle 25 activity picked up. Jon Jones, N0JK, covered the event in his QST column, "The World Above 50 MHz," in the February issue, and he pointed out, "More powerful flares than these have taken place, such as the Carrington Event of 1859, during which aurora was seen in the South Pacific and in Cuba, and it sparked electrical fires."

Similar events took place in the 20th century, but, as Jones notes, scientists are researching spectacular solar storms that took place as early as 7176 BC and in 5259 BC. The huge solar flare some 9,200 years ago has convinced researchers that we are not ready for the next one, and our modern technology would take a major hit.

Also worrisome is that Earth may have narrowly dodged a 'Carrington-level event' in 2012," Jones said. Daniel Baker of the University of Colorado -- speaking at a NOAA Space Weather Workshop -- said, "If it had hit, we would still be picking up the pieces."

"A Carrington Event taking place today could destroy orbiting satellites, disrupt GPS, and damage undersea cables and internet infrastructure on the ground," Jones said in his QST column. "An event in 775 AD was believed to have been 100 times stronger than the Carrington Event."

http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter?issue=2022-02-03#toc02

[Hugin]

1. But... But... But... It will be invisible to the Dumbling Caste.

Besides it does not include any anthropomorphic naked mice and no mention in any holy scriptures.

So, no problemo!

[lagomorph777]

2. A Carrington Event today would send us back to 1859, technologically speaking.

And one like those prehistoric events would send us back to the Neolithic.

We had better take this seriously. These things are not particularly rare.

[Hugin]

3. If it were large enough...

The Earth could take one or a couple of rotations while in the 'storm' basking the whole surface in some super powerful EMP.

So, unlike most meteors, a truly global event.

Sleep tight.

I wonder if Meta has costed this in to the business model?

Nothing will be done here in "it's not a crisis, until, it's a crisis" land.

[DetroitLegalBeagle]

4. One that cripples satellites and the internet would be bad

It would wreck the economy due to how much we depend on it now. But one big enough to take the power grid down is the one I am really concerned about. That would be apocalyptic levels bad. Modern society is totally dependent on the widespread availability of electricity.

[yaesu]

5. Yes, especially if some of the irreplaceable generators were taken down, estimates are that it would

take over a year to manufacture a replacement as, do to age, there are none available.