Science Severe solar storm threatens power grids and navigation systems

A severe solar storm this weekend threatens to trigger blackouts, disrupt navigation systems and knock out high-frequency radios around the world.

This is the first time since January 2005 the U.S. Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G4 geomagnetic storm watch — the second-highest on a five-step scale — as multiple waves of solar energy bear down on the planet. Five eruptions of material from the sun’s atmosphere are forecast to arrive starting late on Friday and persist through Sunday.

“Watches at this level are very rare,” the Space Weather Prediction Center said.



While people will be protected by Earth’s magnetic field, unprepared electric grids can be disrupted, pipelines can be charged with current and spacecraft can be knocked off course. The last time Earth was hit by a G5 storm – the worst on the scale – was October 2003, causing power outages in Sweden and damaged transformers in South Africa.



The storm’s true power will be known about 60 to 90 minutes before it hits Earth as satellites measure inbound bursts of energy. Large parts of Asia, Europe and North America may be able to see an aurora, often called the Northern Lights, overnight where skies are dark and clear enough, the U.K. Met Office said. It is likely the aurora will be visible across the entire UK.



In addition, trans-polar flights between Europe, Asia and North America will likely be rerouted to avoid increased radiation exposure for passengers and crews.

https://financialpost.com/pmn/busin...-threatens-power-grids-and-navigation-systems

 

World told to brace for 'severe geomagnetic storm' today - the first in nearly 20 years - which could bring chaos to mobile phone networks, GPS satellites and power grids

• The uncommonly powerful solar storm is expected to hit around midday Friday
• It follows a series of solar flares that began on Wednesday, tipping officials off
• The prospective storm could cause disruptions to GPS, the internet and power

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-13402759/Severe-solar-storm-watch-alert-NOAA.html

 

Fucking Tornado would be a good name for a brand of dildo.

barfo

 

Damn, hope you and your lady are ok.

 

Sounds violent. Does it have settings F1-F5?

 

HOLY SHIT!

 

Holy holy shit!