Sun spitting more X-rays, hurling excess solar storms our way This kind of storms caused by big eruptions on the surface of a sun could have significant consequences for technology and infrastructure here on Earth. Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) recently informed about an intense solar storm which is encircling the Earth, alerting possible catastrophic effects for satellites, power grids and even space stations.
Understanding Solar Storms
Solar storms are the result of variation in activity on this surface of our sun, generally due to solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). In these phenomena, that energy explodes into space in enormous outbursts, blasting streams of charged particles and magnetic fields towards Earth at speeds up to 3 million miles per hour. As they interact with the Earth’s magnetic field, these charged particles can trigger geomagnetic storms that may interfere with technology and create risks for human health as well.
Suparco says three ‘strong’ CMEs are heading to Earth The first pair of these were small fry, while the third (also an X1. 3), which is several orders of magnitude more powerful than the first 2 flares and would likely do some heavy damage to most (if not all) human technological infrastructure on this planet.
Potential Impact on Satellites and Space Stations
The danger from solar storms is especially relevant to the thousands of satellites in orbit around Earth. Those particles can mess with their electronics and, in theory at least, cause glitches or even outright outages. The interference can also affect critical systems, such as weather forecasting and communications to navigation aids (like GPS). This also imposes significant risks on space stations like the International Space Station (ISS). In addition, astronauts onboard may have to retreat into more heavily shielded parts of the station in order hide from any increased radiation production.
Solar storms are among the most threatening natural disasters, capable of taking down power grids; Power lines can have currents induced in them by geomagnetic storms, causing their transformers and other grid parts to overload. A similar situation would create a large blackout, famously occurred just once during the 1989 geomagnetic storm resulted in power outages across most of Quebec plunging over six million people into total darkness.
As a result, power companies are now investing more in the technology that will help them monitor and shield the grid from any solar storm-based disturbance. Still, the erratic nature of solar storms has made it difficult to protect against any such danger fully.
Preparing for Solar Storms
Important as the effects of this sun storm are set to hit Earth in a few days. The simplest steps you can take to help prevent unauthorized access or cybersquatting on your personal technology are the following —
Get News: Follow space weather forecasts from credible bodies, e.g. NASA or your local/national space agency This can be used in order for you to expect whenever a solar hurricane is going to achievement your setting.
For example, unplug sensitive electronic devices any time a Geomagnetic storm is active since the stored energy in orbits may act as an amplifier of natural electrical processes. Investing in a solar storm protection integrated surge protector may be advisable.
Backup Power —have backup power such as solar generators or UPSs so your critical devices keep up and running even during a loose electricity situation
Conclusion
As our dependence on technology deepens, the damage from solar storms is becoming ever more costly. This solar storm over our heads right now is a good reminder of the kind of vulnerabilities built into our modern infrastructure. Keeping up-to-date and implementing protective measures can help you protect yourself as well your tech from these formidable solar activities.
Out Of The Above Program: To ex-peck the unexpected, encourage measures against solar storms and stocking up on general emergency supplies. Find a variety of Amazon and REI products to be well-prepared no matter the situation.
Every new junk claim about the world ending from another solar storm is totally false, but that does not mean they are all exactly harmless either.By trying to understand what a solar flare actually is and just how it can affect us or you family member you will be able to make value judgements on when precautions may need taking so at confuse global warning with science fiction fantasy techno horror.