How solar storms could bring our world to a standstill

UPDATED: Jan 22, 2025 00:00 IST

As our reliance on advanced technology continues to grow, so does the potential risk posed by solar storms. These celestial events, which have captivated human curiosity for centuries with their dazzling auroras, are now being recognized as a serious threat to our modern infrastructure, according to an Earth.com report. These celestial events pose a growing risk, particularly during the current solar cycle, which is expected to peak by 2025.

Solar storms originate from the Sun's powerful activity, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections. These bursts of high-energy particles interact with Earth’s atmosphere, creating stunning auroras but also disrupting essential systems. The particles can infiltrate power grids, damage transformers, and even knock satellites out of orbit, as seen in a 2022 incident that destroyed 40 Starlink satellites.

Historically, the Carrington Event of 1859 demonstrated the havoc solar storms could wreak, disabling telegraph systems across continents. In today’s interconnected world, the stakes are much higher. Modern power grids, extending thousands of miles, are particularly vulnerable. Voltage fluctuations caused by geomagnetic storms can damage infrastructure, potentially triggering widespread blackouts lasting months.

Even smaller disturbances have proven costly. Experts, such as physicist Dr. Kęstutis Ikamas of Vilnius University, warned in a press release that water supplies, telecommunications and logistics systems could collapse during a severe event. Countries with sprawling infrastructure, like the U.S. and Canada, face amplified risks due to their extensive power networks.

While systems exist to protect satellites and power grids, they may not withstand a massive storm. Investing in robust infrastructure upgrades is crucial, yet organizations often hesitate due to cost considerations. The Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration uses a G1-G5 scale to monitor and categorize the intensity of geomagnetic storms, highlighting the importance of vigilance as the solar cycle intensifies.

Efforts to predict and mitigate solar storm impacts are advancing, thanks to research by scientists like Thomas Do from Michigan State University. Do’s updated model, developed in collaboration with astrophysicist Federico Fraschetti, offers a more comprehensive understanding of how charged particles accelerate during solar eruptions.

The Parker Solar Probe’s 2022 close encounter with the Sun provided crucial data to validate their model. It showed how particles gain energy and escape during solar events, offering insights into the dynamics of shock waves and particle acceleration. Such findings enhance our ability to predict solar storms and their potential impacts on Earth.

The dangers of solar storms extend beyond terrestrial boundaries. Astronauts on missions outside Earth’s magnetic shield face heightened radiation risks, requiring space agencies to adjust operations during intense solar activity. Similarly, wildlife that relies on magnetic fields for navigation, such as birds and marine species, can experience disorientation during these events.

Mitigating the risks of solar storms demands a collaborative effort. Governments, utility providers, and technology developers must establish protocols and invest in stronger safeguards. As we navigate the peak of the current solar cycle, the scientific community remains vigilant, working to improve our understanding and preparedness for these powerful cosmic events.