A severe solar storm is approaching, raising concerns of extensive damage.

 

The Sun's internal thermal reactions have become so active that they have caused deep concern among scientists. The huge explosions on the Sun are called 'X-class solar flares', which are among the most powerful solar explosions. The source of these flares is a large and highly active dark spot on the Sun, a sunspot, which is currently facing Earth.

On May 13, at 11:38 AM, a solar flare of magnitude X-1.2 was emitted from the Sun. The next day, a more powerful flare of magnitude X-2.7 was emitted from the same location. As a result, radio signals were cut off over large areas of North and South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Effects and risks of solar storms

Such solar eruptions, called 'coronal mass ejections', can have devastating consequences if they hit the Earth's magnetic field. Potential risks include:

Satellite failure or permanent damage

Power outage (including transformers)

Mobile and internet outages

Disruption to trains, metros and flights

Fuel supply disruptions and price increases

Major disruptions to financial transactions and digital services

US preparedness exercise

In light of this potential disaster, the US government organized a special exercise in the state of Colorado on May 8, 2024, called the 'Space Weather Preparedness Exercise'. The exercise involved:

The United States Air National Guard

The 140th Wing and 233rd Space Group

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency

The Department of Homeland Security

The exercise simulated a hypothetical scenario in which a massive solar storm would hit the entire United States in January 2028. The main objective of the exercise was to learn how to deal with a breakdown in the national power system, internet connectivity and various emergency services.

Scientists have warned that if such a solar storm were to hit the Earth in reality, its impact could be extremely catastrophic. Electricity, communications, transportation, economy—everything could be disrupted. Therefore, it is important to create advance preparation and awareness through such exercises, so that in the event of a real crisis, rapid and coordinated measures can be taken.

Experts are very concerned that this could temporarily disrupt all radio communication systems in the entire Indian subcontinent, the South Pole, North America, Europe and the North Pole. The power supply system in parts of the world could also be affected.

The very necessary components of artificial satellites in various orbits of the Earth could also suffer the brunt of the damage. This could disrupt GPS systems, earth observation, and even mobile communication systems through satellites.