EXTREME SOLAR STORM

RISK OF BLACKOUT FOR SEVERAL DAYS

These storms, though rare, could wreak devastating havoc if our modern civilization is not prepared to face their fury.

Scientists are sounding the alarm as a solar storm of unprecedented magnitude, unseen in 200 years, threatens our interconnected world.

A joint study by the University of Reading and Apollo Academic Surveys found that 90% of 144 experts consulted believed that without an accurate space weather forecast, Earth would be exposed to massive damage in the event of a solar storm.

These events, as powerful as the historic Carrington storm in 1859, could occur with increasing frequency, surpassing even the largest storms of the past two centuries, with potentially disastrous consequences for our infrastructure and technologies.

The Carrington Event, a cataclysmic solar phenomenon, had plunged the world into darkness, massively disrupting telegraphy networks and illuminating the night sky with glorious auroras visible across the globe.

According to specialists, a similar scenario could repeat itself in the next 10 years, posing a serious threat to our civilization, which is highly dependent on electricity and communications.

The urgency of adequate preparation is undeniable, as a lack of appropriate measures would lead to widespread power cuts for several days.

Dr Luke Barnard, a space weather expert at the University of Reading and co-author of the survey, highlighted the potentially devastating consequences of such blackouts:

"Imagine without electricity for several days. Transport, communication, essential services would be paralyzed. Our modern way of life would be put to the test".

The consequences would not just be limited to terrestrial infrastructure, as solar storms can also cause critical malfunctions in space.

Satellites, which play a vital role in GPS navigation, telecommunications, weather forecasting, and other vital areas, could be damaged, causing major disruption to our communication and geolocation systems.

Scientists denounce the lack of precision of current space weather forecasts, which do not allow adequate anticipation of major solar storms.

To remedy this shortcoming, they recommend the deployment of constellations of satellites closer to the Sun, in order to obtain more precise measurements of the solar wind, responsible for storms.

Faced with this imminent threat, the researchers stress the importance of increased international collaboration in space surveillance and the establishment of emergency backup systems to deal with power outages.

Coordinated and effective preparation could prove vital to protect our connected world and avoid a prolonged blackout with potentially catastrophic consequences.

In a world where technology and communications are everywhere, such an extreme solar storm could shake our modern society, reminding us of our vulnerability to the powerful and unpredictable forces of the universe.

Preparing to face this eventuality therefore becomes an absolute priority to ensure the stability and resilience of our hyperconnected world.