We face many natural disasters from hurricanes like Dorian in the Bahamas or earthquakes erupting along the Pacific ring of fire. Although tragic, they are not widespread. Unlike these and other natural catastrophes that strike a local region in the world, solar storms can produce destruction across entire hemispheres.
Solar activity
Solar storms—or geomagnetic storms as astronomers call them—erupt from solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CME), spreading mayhem which our modern technological society is becoming ever more susceptible. These cataclysmic superstorms come from solar eruptions sending charged particles that play havoc with Earth’s magnetic field.
Most solar-astrophysicists regard the Carrington Event, a so-called superstorm that occurred in September 1859, as an exemplar for apocalyptic destruction across vast portions of the Earth’s surface. Until last month, space weather experts considered the Carrington eruption as the most powerful geomagnetic storm in modern times. The induced currents caused widespread fires and destroyed the Victorian Age version of the internet: the intercontinental telegraph system.
Uncommonly common?
Another solar superstorm seems inevitable in the near future, likely causing extended blackouts, satellite failures, and more. Unlike other threats to our planet, such as supervolcanoes or asteroids, the time frame is comparatively short. Based on earlier such events, a superstorm will probably hit Earth even within 100 years.
A recent paper in the journal Space Weather, bears this out. A team from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reexamined the intensity of a 1921 solar storm, known as the New York Railroad Storm, in greater detail than ever before. They found its intensity might have exceeded the Carrington Event. The violent geomagnetic levels caused widespread damage to telephone and telegraph systems in New York and brought spectacular aurorae to the night sky.
Such a solar superstorm is the premise of my novel, Mauna Kea Rising. The hero, Hellen Callahan, is a single mother who takes her son on a sailing voyage to Hawaii, hoping to recapture the bond they once shared. Isolated at sea, the boat’s crew is unaware of a catastrophic solar flare. Throughout the Pacific, power grids fail. Cities plunge into darkness. The rest of the book speculates on how modern society might change if we had to endure the loss of the power grid for many months. However, this isn’t just science fiction. Ask the unfortunate hurricane survivors in Puerto Rico, many of whom hadn’t any power for eighteen months after Maria struck.
Preparedness
So, what should we do to prepare for an inevitable solar storm? Improve our infrastructure for one. The three main, interconnected power grids that supply power to the lower forty-eight sorely need upgrading. Smart grid technology will go a long way to protecting long-distance power lines by disabling and isolating them before the CME hits the upper atmosphere.
We also need continued support for NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) and NASA’s sentinel solar observatories, such as the orbiting Advanced Composition Explorer, to monitor space weather and warn us of solar storms that may head our way. SWPC solar storm alerts should allow power utilities to shut down their grids before the storm strikes the Earth, mediating the worst damage. But if a superstorm hits us—as one nearly did in 2012—the results could be catastrophic, regardless of forewarnings. In that case, we need to have plenty of food stored (water, MRE’s and protein powder). Oddly enough, residential solar panels may save the day. Their short transmission lines and isolation from the grid could spare them from serious damage.
While another superstorm would undoubtedly wreak havoc, organizations such as the SWPC and NASA closely monitor solar activity to prepare us for the worst. Being warned is half the battle for survival.
Sorry for the bad news. Next month, I’ll discuss something lighter. Maybe thinking machines that are smarter than us. Or maybe just puppy yoga.