Just as the world has started to recover from the devastating effects of the pandemic, scientists have warned of an internet apocalypse in the near future.
Solar storms originate on the Sun’s surface as flare-ups and can affect the Earth more severely soon. These can lead to disturbance or complete shutdown of satellites and disruption of power grids.
Even spacewalking astronauts can be affected due to increased radiation during periods of solar storms. They can be as frequent as several per day or just a few per week.
Before you descend into a complete panic attack and prepare for D-Day, check out what solar storms can do and how NASA is preparing for them.
What Is a Solar Storm?
Solar Storms are disturbances in the Sun, which can emanate outside and affect the Solar System, including the Earth. Solar storms occur when solar flares and coronal mass ejections on the Sun release a stream of the electromagnetic field toward the Earth.
The Sun’s surface is everchanging as it is a massive ball of molten gas constantly in flux. When it emits enormous bursts of energy, and it strikes the Earth, it produces the northern lights displayed in some parts of the atmosphere. However, they can also disrupt satellites and other electronic communication systems.
When Did a Solar Storm Last Hit Earth?
The last solar storm happened more recently than you think. On April 21. 2023, a coronal mass ejection from the Sun spewed plasma that raced towards the Earth at two million miles per hour. It created a level 4 (out of 5) geomagnetic storm on April 23.
As a result, northern lights could be seen all the way down to the US-Mexico border.
In February 2022, a geomagnetic storm destroyed around 40 Starlink satellites that were worth over $50 million. As Starlink satellites are released into low-altitude orbits, they are particularly vulnerable to geomagnetic storms.
A major X-class solar flare eruption on December 5, 2006, disrupted satellite-to-ground communications and GPS navigational systems for 10 minutes.
Solar Storms happen more often than you think, and their range and effect vary. Sometimes it affects satellites for a few minutes, but severe storms can pause global communication for days.
The Worst Solar Storms in History
Some of the worst solar storms recorded in history occurred in 1859. The Carrington Event of 1859 recorded the largest documented flare in the last 500 years that caused severe problems in telegraph communications and even shocked telegram operators. Sparking fires and discharges from the lines ignited the telegram paper.
In March 1989, a solar flare caused a geomagnetic storm, leading to a blackout in Canada, and six million people were left without electricity for nine hours. The next powerful solar eruption occurred on July 14, 2000, when it led to radio blackouts.
Is Nasa Prepared to Deal with Solar Storms?
NASA has recently reported that the Parker Solar Probe, the first spacecraft to enter the Sun’s upper atmosphere, has discovered clues to help them understand the origins of solar winds better. These solar winds at high speeds wreak havoc on the Earth’s satellites, internet, and electrical grids.
Currently, those at NASA are working to understand the mechanism behind solar winds as it will help them figure out how the Sun releases energy.
2025 will mark the maximum of the 11-year solar cycle when electromagnetic activity on the sun peaks. NASA aims to forecast extreme conditions and predict solar storms using a new AI-supported model. Experts expect they can provide a 30-minute warning time to protect power grids.
Do you still think an internet apocalypse will occur in two years? Or will we adapt to it just like we have with everything else so far?
Comment down below how severe you think it can get.
