Solar Storm by MagikUnicorn
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Description
Solar storms will peak in 2014 and wreak havoc on Earth's electrical communications, top scientist warns.
Solar storms could have 'devastating effects' on human technology when they hit a peak in two years' time, a leading scientist has warned.
U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration assistant secretary Kathryn Sullivan said the storms pose a growing threat to critical infrastructure such as satellite communications, navigation systems and electrical transmission equipment.
Solar storms release particles that can temporarily disable or permanently destroy fragile computer circuits.
In setember, astronomers warned that mankind is now more vulnerable to such an event than at any time in history - and that the planet should prepare for a global Hurricane Katrina-style disaster.
A massive eruption of the sun would save waves of radiation and charged particles to Earth, damaging the satellite systems used for synchronising computers, airline navigation and phone networks.
If the storm is powerful enough it could even crash stock markets and cause power cuts that last weeks or months, experts told the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
The chances of a disruption from space are getting stronger because the sun is entering the most active period of its 11 to 12-year natural cycle.
The world got a taster of the sun's explosive power in February when the strongest solar eruption in five years sent a torrent of charged plasma hurtling towards the world at 580 miles per second.
The storm created spectacular aurorae and disrupted radio communications.
Solar storms are caused by massive explosions on the sun.
The explosions release waves of X-rays and ultraviolet radiation which smash into the Earth within minutes, disrupting radio signals and damaging the electronics of satellites.
They are followed ten to 20 minutes later by a burst of energetic particles which cause even more havoc with satellites - and then 15 to 30 hours later by supercharged plasma which collides with Earth's magnetic field.
The plasma create the aurora - or Northern Lights - and can induce electrical currents in power lines and cables.
The sun goes through a regular activity cycle about 11 years long on average. The last solar maximum occurred in 2001. Its latest minimum was particularly weak and long lasting.
Space storms are not new. The first major solar flare was recorded by British astronomer Richard Carrington in 1859.
Other solar geomagnetic storms have been observed in recent decades. One huge solar flare in 1972 cut off long-distance telephone communication in the mid-western state of Illinois, Nasa said.
Another similar flare in 1989 'provoked geomagnetic storms that disrupted electric power transmission' and caused blackouts across the Canadian province of Quebec, the U.S. space agency said.
The sun fired off two giant bursts of charged plasma in our direction earlier this week. They hit the Earth's magnetic field Thursday night and midday Friday, creating strong geomagnetic storms that may cause disruptions to the world's electric grids, GPS, and radio systems throughout the weekend.
Fortunately, these solar storms aren't expected to be catastrophic — and anyone living in the northern US or Canada might be able to see some colorful auroras on Friday and possibly Saturday nights (see map below). But it is a reminder that the sun's occasional eruptions are capable of wreaking havoc here on Earth.
Space experts have long warned that if a truly massive solar storm ever hit us — much bigger than the current one — it could knock out power grids across North America, leaving millions of people without electricity for months and causing widespread chaos. A storm that big hit Earth back in 1859 (though there were no power grids then, just a bunch of telegraph wires that got frazzled), and we just barely missed getting blasted by a similar-sized solar eruption in 2012.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Bicgl6Ebfs
Comments (30)
magnus073
Magik, c'était une présentation fantastique d'une tempête solaire. L'image que vous avez créé était parfaite, et merci de me fournir la traduction en anglais. Votre galerie est un lieu rare et merveilleux. Votre galerie est divertissant et vous nous apprendre sur de nombreuses découvertes scientifiques.
Richardphotos
maybe it was a solar flare that knocked power for the huge reptiles that once ruled North America. and that is why they died because of no TV seriously this is a superb Bryce art. the sky has so much energy
donnena
Lovely image! Please don't take my electricity away!!!!
Faemike55
Great art and cool narrative! for me it will be easy - shut down until things quiet down
MagikUnicorn
Yep ! and save Money :)
bakapo
interesting info. the image is great, there's lots of energy in that sky.
RodS Online Now!
I was reading on CNN about the solar storm that's supposed to hit this weekend. Haven't seen any negative results yet... Very cool Bryce work, Real!
MagikUnicorn
Its only far north USA & CANADA...+ Russia Scandinavia part of EUROPE Japan North Korea... :)
eekdog
very cool work, Magik.. love the info.
peedy
Beautiful image and lighting, MU. Gorgeous sky! Corrie
jayfar
Wow, what a picture and what a story.
Jean_C
Ce ciel est impressionnant! Superbe image!
DennisReed
cool
ia-du-lin
like the clouds, beautiful image
Star4mation
Ace Brycework Magik :)
Mondwin
Really magical my friend!!!!!!!!!!Bravissimo!:DDD.Hugsxx Whylma
Cyve
WOW... Merveilleuse image mon ami et le ciel est absolument génial!
miwi
Super image,excellent done;love it;klasse info also!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
johndoop
Very cool Bryce work Amazing image!!!!!!!
bebopdlx
Excellent !
ansgar2
Coooool.....no, hot......!!! EXCELLENT...!!!
jendellas
Very interesting!!!
Flint_Hawk
Scary thoughts! I like your illustration!
Darkwish
Remarkable work! Great!
jeroni
Fantastic image. I like very much the colors
renecyberdoc
first we need to fight the ISIS storm,after this we take care of this or maybe mr putin drops da bomb and we dont have to care crap all anymore lol.
Hendesse
Wow... fantastic sky. A superb image!
GOLDILOCKSUK
Omg I hope that never happens it is an awesome picture though :) Cathy xoxoxo
mickeyrony
Tout un travail et narative action ((5++))
flavia49
fantastic picture
FredNunes
This is GREAT!
danapommet
This is a super image Réal and very interesting narrative. Stay well my friend!