2023-09-14 03:00:00
Solar storms are energetic phenomena that occur on the Sun. Marc Hay 14/09/2023 05:00 7 min
As our dependence on technology increases every day, few of us stop to consider the threats from space that could disrupt our modern lifestyle. But 149.6 million kilometers away, our own star, the Sun, periodically launches energy waves that could disrupt not only our global communication, but also the stability of our critical infrastructure.
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Far from being a simple question for astronomers or science fiction enthusiasts, Solar storms are increasingly featured in discussions among governments and businesses around the world. This article explores this natural phenomenon, its potential impact on Earth, and what is being done to protect us from what some call a “cosmic time bomb.”
The sun: this giant star
The Sun is a giant star of spectral type G2V located at the heart of our solar system. It is a ball of incandescent gas composed mainly of hydrogen and helium, and its mass represents approximately 99.86% of the total mass of the solar system.
The potential impact of a strong geomagnetic storm on our hyper-connected society could be catastrophic.
The Sun’s energy is produced in its core through a process of nuclear fusion, transforming hydrogen into helium and releasing a large amount of energy in the form of light and heat. This energy is vital to life on Earth, influencing climate, ecosystems and even human technologies.
What is a solar storm?
Solar storms are energetic phenomena that occur on the Sun and have implications for the surrounding space and, sometimes, for the Earth itself. These rashes appear in different forms, including coronal mass ejections (CMEs), solar flares and coronal holes. Coronal mass ejections are huge bubbles of gas and magnetic fields that break away from the solar corona. Solar flares, on the other hand, are brief but intense eruptions of light and energy, often related to sunspots, areas of intense magnetic activity.
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When these solar phenomena reach Earth, they interact with the Earth’s magnetic field, creating geomagnetic storms. These storms can cause a variety of effects. On a visual level, they are responsible for the northern and southern lights, these magnificent lights that dance in the night sky near the poles. However, they can also have more serious consequences such as disruption of communications systems, degradation of satellites in orbit, and even, in extreme cases, damage to power grids.
Should we be worried?
The main concern with solar storms is their ability to disrupt our technology. From communications systems to power grids, satellites and navigation systems, everything is vulnerable. A major solar storm could, for example, damage electrical transformers, leading to massive power outages.
Have there been any incidents in the past?
Yes, and the most famous is Carrington Event of 1859. A powerful solar storm had struck Earth, causing outages in the telegraph systems of the time.
The main concern with solar storms is their ability to disrupt our technology.
The Carrington event is actually a memorable episode in the history of space weather and it remains one of the most striking examples of the potential dangers of solar storms. This event occurred on September 1 and 2, 1859 and was observed by the British astronomer Richard Carrington. While studying sunspots using a telescope, Carrington witnessed a brilliant solar flare, or solar flare, that lasted nearly five minutes.
In the days that followed, spectacular auroras were reported well beyond the latitudes at which they are normally visible, reaching as far as regions like the Caribbean. But the effects weren’t limited to those beautiful lights in the night sky. The telegraph system, which was the primary means of long-distance communication at the time, was severely disrupted. Telegraph operators reported electric shocks and sparks emanating from their equipment, and some even managed to send messages while the batteries were disconnected, powered only by electricity induced by the geomagnetic storm.
How to protect yourself from it?
Various measures are taken to mitigate risks. Space agencies like NASA and theEuropean Space Agency constantly monitor solar activity. Additionally, emergency plans are developed to protect critical infrastructure. However, many believe these measures are insufficient and call for more substantial investments to protect ourselves against this silent but potentially devastating threat.
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While the risk of a major solar storm remains rare, the potential impact on our hyper-connected society could be catastrophic. It’s time we take this threat seriously and invest in preventative measures to safeguard our modern way of life. As with many other challenges we face, better understanding and adequate preparation are key to transform a “cosmic time bomb” into a simple space adventure.
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