Solar storms, particularly intense coronal mass ejections (CMEs), pose significant threats to Earth’s technological infrastructure. Historical events, such as the 1859 Carrington Event, caused widespread telegraph failures and auroras visible near the equator. Modern reliance on technology amplifies potential impacts, with estimates suggesting that a severe solar storm could result in up to $2 trillion in damages during the first year alone, and a full recovery spanning 4 to 10 years. The National Academy of Sciences highlights vulnerabilities in power grids, communication networks, and satellite operations. Mitigation strategies include hardening infrastructure, developing early warning systems, and international collaboration to enhance resilience against such inevitable space weather events.
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