Solar ‘superstorm’ is on its way. Are you ready?

Solar ‘superstorm’ is on its way. Are you ready?

Every 150 years or so a solar storm comes our way that has the potential of knocking out communications and other vulnerable electronic systems. The last time a storm of this magnitude happened was in 1859, so we have no idea what this next superstorm might do.

The only point of reference that we have is when a “relatively minor” storm took out “several key electrical transformers” in Canada that caused major blackouts. So be sure you’re stocked up on the essentials.

“A solar superstorm will be a challenge but not cataclysmic. The two challenges for government are the wide spectrum of technologies affected today and the emergence of unexpected vulnerabilities as technology evolves,” Professor Paul Cannon said.

“Our message is, ‘Don’t panic, but do prepare’. A solar superstorm will happen one day and we need to be ready for it.

Read the entire article here: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/a-solar-superstorm-is-coming-and-well-only-get-30minute-warning-8484058.html

 

photo credit: NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center via photopin cc