Category: Space Weather

Aon Benfield’s report, “Geomagnetic Storms,” highlights the significant risks that severe space weather events pose to modern infrastructure, including electrical power distribution, telecommunications, and satellite navigation systems. The report emphasizes that while the probability of such events is low, their potential impact is substantial, with economic costs of a major geomagnetic storm in the U.S. alone estimated at up to $2 trillion for the first year, with recovery spanning up to a decade. The insurance industry is urged to develop comprehensive risk management strategies and consider the implications for policy coverage and pricing to mitigate the effects of these low-probability, high-consequence events.

As the Sun approaches its solar maximum, the peak of its 11-year activity cycle, concerns rise about the potential impact of solar storms on Earth’s technological infrastructure, including satellites and power grids. Despite predictions of a relatively weak upcoming solar max, the aging fleet of space weather monitoring satellites, such as SOHO and ACE, underscores the need for updated observational capabilities. The Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) satellite, originally proposed in 1998 as “Triana,” has been repurposed to provide critical solar wind measurements from the L1 Lagrange point. However, experts emphasize that beyond monitoring, a comprehensive national response plan is essential to effectively mitigate the risks posed by severe space weather events.

Source: https://www.thespacereview.com/article/2214/1?fbclid=IwY2xjawHKqk1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHe7kcqiKHTeHSmohtj-lcUlodGUTgyWH4jIsqyEmXUYNZ3-DIM8MK3e3GA_aem_XPbnjMz7Pp3MNin-KLwt1A

The National Research Council’s report examines the potential societal and economic consequences of severe space weather events, such as geomagnetic storms and solar flares. It highlights the vulnerability of modern technological infrastructures—including power grids, communication networks, and satellite operations—to disruptions caused by space weather. The report emphasizes the importance of preparedness, risk assessment, and the development of mitigation strategies to minimize the adverse effects of such events on society and the economy.

Source: https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/12507/chapter/1

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.

Source: https://www.wnd.com/2013/01/solar-storm-aftermath-2-trillion-in-fixes/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHKpyNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHUb05SPIPD7uEIoL7rWLuRhIb9lx0mratLapnbhfqohw8kKcYFKCCLJitA_aem_WN1131YnRZzB8kFBvWJ0XA

Historical analyses reveal that Earth has experienced geomagnetic superstorms far more powerful than the 1989 event that caused a blackout in Quebec. Notably, the 1859 Carrington Event and a 1921 storm were up to ten times stronger. Such superstorms are certain to occur again and could lead to catastrophic failures in power grids, communication networks, and other critical infrastructure. The increasing vulnerability of modern technology underscores the urgent need for robust protective measures against these inevitable solar events.

Source: https://spectrum.ieee.org/a-perfect-storm-of-planetary-proportions

Solar storms pose a significant threat to the reliability of electric grids, as evidenced by the March 1989 event that caused a province-wide blackout in Quebec, Canada. Despite such incidents, the electric utility industry has not established comprehensive reliability standards to safeguard against solar storms. In response, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR), Docket RM12-22, aiming to develop reliability standards addressing the impact of geomagnetic disturbances on the Bulk-Power System. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide input on the proposed standards to enhance grid resilience against future solar storm events. 

In response to the increasing threat of solar storms disrupting GPS and satellite communications, space agencies are collaborating to establish a global network aimed at studying the effects of solar maximum on these technologies. This initiative seeks to enhance our understanding of solar activity and develop strategies to mitigate potential disruptions to critical infrastructure. The collaboration underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing space weather challenges that can impact various sectors reliant on satellite-based systems.

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2248097/Sun-storm-threat-GPS-Space-agency-plans-global-network-study-effects-solar-max-satellite-communications.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawHKmXFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHWAftMPyaGLdlTDLnL_KTyDywvILkKFpEPx-RsFdI33B9hIQXi5tZPhKNQ_aem_wPyTlxyy7z7-y9rrnbDs1w

Solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are significant solar phenomena that can affect Earth’s technological systems. While Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere shield the surface from harmful effects, these events can disturb the ionosphere, leading to disruptions in radio communications and increased atmospheric drag on satellites. CMEs, often associated with flares, carry substantial material into space, and upon interacting with Earth’s magnetosphere, can trigger geomagnetic storms. Such storms have the potential to damage satellites, especially those in geosynchronous orbits, and can induce high currents in power lines, occasionally causing widespread electrical outages, as seen in the 1989 Quebec incident. Additionally, geomagnetic storms enhance auroral displays, offering a visual spectacle. As our reliance on technology grows, understanding and mitigating the impacts of space weather become increasingly crucial. 

Source: https://hesperia.gsfc.nasa.gov/sftheory/spaceweather.htm?fbclid=IwY2xjawHKmMJleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHZCjekZZDZ-YGdH_Ht8YSbcBHZ1xirHB6thrFFsgohUk8odVtqPACfNabA_aem_Mr04O3YhSBOLUoygwYKb1Q

This article provides guidance on safeguarding personal electronics and home infrastructure against electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) and severe solar storms. It emphasizes the importance of using appropriate ferrite suppression cores on power cords to mitigate transient surges, noting that standard type 43 ferrite materials may be insufficient against the rapid E1 component of a nuclear EMP. Instead, type 61 ferrite cores are recommended for their effectiveness in attenuating faster pulses. The article also discusses the limitations of surge suppressors and ferrite cores, highlighting that while they can protect against minor pulses through power lines, a significant EMP can induce damaging currents directly within electronic devices. Therefore, additional protective measures are necessary to ensure the resilience of electronic equipment against such events.

Source: https://www.futurescience.com/emp/emp-protection.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawHJjEtleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHW7o6bZ-thsB3dlyIiIm9N6ENjQU2i5sOB3Z0fnqRjYu9S8HWVibAzrc0w_aem_2-hy-FAmQShxMWSGKbXQqQ

Solar flares are intense bursts of radiation originating from the Sun’s release of magnetic energy. They emit energy across the electromagnetic spectrum, including X-rays and gamma rays, and are classified into five categories—A, B, C, M, and X—based on their intensity. Each category represents a tenfold increase in energy output, with X-class flares being the most powerful. These flares can impact Earth by causing radio blackouts and posing risks to satellites and astronauts. The frequency of solar flares correlates with the Sun’s 11-year activity cycle, with increased occurrences during solar maximum.

Source: https://science.nasa.gov/science-research/heliophysics/space-weather/solar-flares/what-is-a-solar-flare