Early in March 2012, the sun produced two spectacular solar flares classed in the X category that puts them in the highest magnitude. Like Earth, the sun has cycles of relative calm and more active solar weather, or what are called solar maximums. The biggest solar storm on record occurred in 1859 during a solar maximum that ominously was about the same size as the one in March. Although effects were minimal, today a similar storm would have a more climactic effect with society’s dependence on electronics. Scientists say an outburst of the 1859 magnitude would cripple the world’s electronic infrastructure.
The sun has been relatively quiet with sizeable activity not seen since 2003. In 1989, Quebec’s power grid was seriously affected with widespread blackouts in Canada and the U.S. leaving six million people in the dark for nine hours. The impact of a solar eruption on Earth depends on whether the massive energy outbreak is directed harmlessly out to space, or in the direction of our planet. Even a glancing blow that parts of the world endured in the March event can tremendously affect telecommunications and power grids.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center monitors weather in space, and tracks the magnitude and direction of solar storms to prepare people for a possible infrastructure disruption. It takes several days for the effects of a solar flare to influence Earth, when the solar charged particles reach our planet causing fluctuations with the globe’s magnetic field, or what is known as a geomagnetic storm.
One, or a series of these solar eruptions known as coronal mass ejections (CME), would have the biggest impact on power grids causing the potential of massive outages over a large area, in addition to playing havoc with technology such as GPS and aircraft electronics. The greater the effect on the globe depends how much we are in the line of fire with one or a series of these solar-produced energy waves. CMEs are in direct correlation to the sun’s magnetic fields that are in a state of flux causing the current greater incidence of solar activity. To counteract the massive interruptions of solar outbursts on electronic equipment and power grids, certain measures are required.
In the event a CME barrels down on Earth, giant power transformers could stop functioning causing an increased strain on the grid that would cause massive blackouts. The world’s power companies and airlines rely on NOAA’s forecasting of solar storm events to help prepare equipment and flight plans. This preparation could involve portions of the grid being shut down in advance and during CME phenomenon, thereby minimizing the disruption to localized short-lived outages. Commercial airlines are also prepared with such a forecast to avoid affected areas during the length of a geomagnetic storm that generally last a few hours.
But this excited period of solar activity is cyclical and once the present level of solar storms passes, the sun will return to its calmer state. In the meantime, the current solar maximum could last into 2013.
©2012
Richard Hand sampler 