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According to Professor Peter Becker from George Mason University, solar storms have the potential to wreak havoc on the functioning of the internet, as the sun enters a more active phase. This phenomenon has the potential to cause significant disruptions for weeks, and possibly even months, impacting various aspects of our society.
In a recent article published in the scientific journal Science, Professor Becker highlighted the increasing likelihood of solar storms in the coming years. As the lead researcher of a project aimed at developing an early warning system, in collaboration with the Naval Research Laboratory, he expressed concerns regarding the current state of the internet’s infrastructure.
“The internet reached its critical mass during a period when solar activity was relatively calm. However, we are now approaching a phase of heightened solar activity, which poses significant threats to our reliance on the internet and our global economic dependence on it. This is an unprecedented intersection of increased solar activity with our dependence on and interconnectedness through the internet,” Professor Becker explained.
Solar storms manifest as solar explosions, which become visible as flashes of radiation. However, the subsequent coronal mass ejections (CME), resembling a cannon’s shot, can be unpredictable in terms of direction and timing. This means that although we can observe the initial flash, we may not have a clear indication of whether the CME will head towards Earth. Presently, we only have about 18 to 24 hours of warning before these particles reach our planet and start affecting the Earth’s magnetic field.
In the event of a solar storm, the consequences for the internet and other vital communication networks could be severe. The electric grid, GPS networks, underground fiber optic cables, radio transmitters, and various other communication devices could all face significant disruption. In such scenarios, no one is immune, and everyone becomes a potential target.
During these disruptions, individuals may assume that their personal electronic devices are safe. However, the redirection of induced currents towards the Earth’s surface can have unintended consequences. This could potentially result in damaging electronic devices that were believed to be relatively secure.
Perhaps the most distressing aspect of this situation is the possibility of prolonged damage to electronic devices. In some cases, disruptions caused by solar storms could last for weeks, or even months. In addition to the communication issues, our global economy relies heavily on the internet. The collapse of internet infrastructure caused by a solar explosion could potentially lead to a worldwide economic crisis.
Although the chances of such a catastrophic event occurring are uncertain, it is imperative that we take these risks seriously. Scientists and researchers, like Professor Becker, are actively working to develop early warning systems and implement safeguards to mitigate the potential damage. Preparedness and proactive measures are key to ensuring that the internet and our society can withstand the unpredictable forces of solar storms.
