Terrible solar storm hits Earth, can't cope?

Scientists have warned that humanity is not fully prepared for extreme space weather events, as a solar storm is predicted to 'hit' Earth this week.

Humanity is not ready to face

Scientists have conducted a “solar storm emergency drill” simulating what would happen if a powerful magnetic storm hit Earth.

The exercise was designed to test response procedures and response times in the event of a potentially catastrophic solar storm. Photo: NASA.

The results showed power grid collapse, widespread power outages and communication systems in the US were paralyzed.

The test included four scenarios simulating magnetic storms of varying severity. Magnetic storms are temporary disturbances of the Earth's magnetic field, caused by large eruptions of electrically charged plasma from the outer layers of the Sun.

One scenario includes a "super solar storm" powerful enough to cause an "internet apocalypse" that would disrupt power grids across the US, with the East Coast without power for weeks.

Not only was the power grid affected, rail lines and fuel pipelines were also paralyzed, causing large-scale transport disruptions and skyrocketing gas prices.

Scientists are now calling for a government- wide approach, emphasizing that this is necessary to protect the United States from space disasters, including: Launching more satellites to monitor space weather; Increasing real-time data collection to improve forecasting models; Providing earlier warnings for dangerous events.

Scientists conducted an emergency drill to deal with a solar storm and found that power grids collapsed, communication systems were disrupted, GPS stopped working and power outages occurred globally. Photo: DailyMail.

NASA is also now warning of a major solar storm headed towards Earth this week, which could turn simulated scenarios into reality.

The upcoming solar storm is the result of a powerful X-class flare — the highest energy rays produced by the Sun — that could trigger events like the one in the drill.

X-rays often accompany coronal mass ejections (CMEs) — giant eruptions of plasma and magnetic fields.

The Sun has been emitting powerful jets of charged particles several times over the past few days, with the most recent one on May 19.

NASA warns that further flares could continue to affect: Radio communications, power grids, navigation signals, and the safety of spacecraft and astronauts.

The challenge of early forecasting

Previously, in May 2024, an exercise was conducted by the SWORM (Space Weather Operations, Research and Mitigation) task force, which includes agencies such as NOAA and the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The hypothetical scenario takes place on January 29, 2028, when a series of solar flares and high-energy radiation are directed directly at Earth.

During the exercise, scientists monitored an active region on the Sun rotating toward Earth, testing response procedures and reaction times to a potential space disaster.

Simulations show that solar activity disrupted essential systems: damaging satellites and crippling power grids across the United States.

They noted strong radiation affecting satellites, astronauts, commercial aviation, and causing loss of radio communications.

The biggest challenge researchers have identified is the ability to predict the impact of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) — massive eruptions of solar plasma and magnetic field.

The biggest challenge researchers identified is the ability to predict the impact of coronal mass ejections. Photo: ISRO .

With current technology, scientists can only detect a CME about 30 minutes before it reaches Earth, when its magnetic direction becomes clear. This makes preparation almost impossible.

The report also recommends: Investing in advanced space weather observation satellites; Deploying more sensors to monitor solar activity; Increasing cooperation between US agencies, international allies, and the private sector.

Coincidentally, the exercise took place at the same time as Storm Gannon - the strongest solar storm in two decades - hit Earth on May 10, 2024.

This solar storm caused widespread power outages and loss of radio and satellite communications.

Now, a year later, NASA is issuing another warning after detecting an X2.7-level X-ray burst on May 14 — the highest level of X-rays and CMEs.

The blast caused radio blackouts across Europe, Asia and the Middle East, along with power outages in the eastern United States. NASA said more were still to come.

Although NASA warned that power outages and communications disruptions would continue for the next few days, the agency also said that some US states would be able to observe the beautiful aurora phenomenon, including: Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Maine and parts of neighboring states such as New York.

Solar flares are divided into 5 levels: A, B, C, M and X, with each level increasing energy 10 times the previous level, in which A is the weakest, X is the strongest.

The UK Met Office reports that up to five sunspot regions are currently present on the Earth-facing side of the Sun, with a new region of magnetic activity approaching from the southeastern horizon.

The increase in solar activity underscores the importance of monitoring space weather, especially as modern society becomes increasingly dependent on technology.

As the Sun continues to enter a highly active phase, there will be more solar flares and possibly magnetic storms occurring in the coming days and weeks.

Source: https://znews.vn/bao-mat-troi-khung-khiep-tan-cong-trai-dat-khong-the-ung-pho-post1555046.html