Posted on 06/22/2011 8:57:15 AM PDT by tired&retired
In Sept. 1859, on the eve of a below-average1 solar cycle, the sun unleashed one of the most powerful storms in centuries. The underlying flare was so unusual, researchers still aren't sure how to categorize it. The blast peppered Earth with the most energetic protons in half-a-millennium, induced electrical currents that set telegraph offices on fire, and sparked Northern Lights over Cuba and Hawaii.
This week, officials have gathered at the National Press Club in Washington DC to ask themselves a simple question: What if it happens again?
Modern power grids are vulnerable to solar storms. Photo credit: Martin Stojanovski "A similar storm today might knock us for a loop," says Lika Guhathakurta, a solar physicist at NASA headquarters. "Modern society depends on high-tech systems such as smart power grids, GPS, and satellite communications--all of which are vulnerable to solar storms."
In 2011 the situation would be more serious. An avalanche of blackouts carried across continents by long-distance power lines could last for weeks to months as engineers struggle to repair damaged transformers. Planes and ships couldn’t trust GPS units for navigation. Banking and financial networks might go offline, disrupting commerce in a way unique to the Information Age. According to a 2008 report from the National Academy of Sciences, a century-class solar storm could have the economic impact of 20 hurricane Katrinas.
(Excerpt) Read more at science.nasa.gov ...
If only we would abolish fossil fuels, this problem would be solved.
“There is obviously a greenhouse-gas connection here.”
Sadly, I agree. NASA has transformed from a shining example of excellence, and an authoritative source of information to an AGW pimp and muslim outreach center.
With James Hanson writing the report.
The Sun Does a Flip
NASA scientists who monitor the Sun say that our star’s awesome magnetic field is flipping — a sure sign that solar maximum is here.
http://science1.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2001/ast15feb_1/
And then read.....
Earth’s Inconstant Magnetic Field: Our planet’s magnetic field is in a constant state of change, say researchers who are beginning to understand how it behaves and why.
http://www.nasa.gov/vision/earth/lookingatearth/29dec_magneticfield.html
Then try to get a good nights sleep!!!!
Wanna take that bet?
Wanna take that bet?
Maybe it will be good for 6M ham operators?
This data has been on the NASA web site for almost 20 years. I first read it in the early 1990’s.
Read the articles and then pass your judgements. Go to the Canadian Geophysics web site and see how the magnetic north pole makes an 85 kilometer per day circular wobble, as it moves across Canada. The diameter of the wobble is based upon the intensity of solar storms.
I find this whole filed of knowledge very interesting.
And the only thing that will prevent these dire predictions of global calamity from happening is money. BTW you science fiction/propaganda guys at NASA, you might want to actually name the Carrington Event by name to sound at least a little authoratative.
“you might want to actually name the Carrington Event by name to sound at least a little authoratative”
They do if you read the article: “As 2011 unfolds, the sun is once again on the eve of a below-average solar cycle—at least that’s what forecasters are saying. The “Carrington event” of 1859 (named after astronomer Richard Carrington, who witnessed the instigating flare) reminds us that strong storms can occur even when the underlying cycle is nominally weak.”
Where’s the Not This S... Again picture?
but....but...but.... we were just informed this week that we are entering an ice age due to low solar activity....
Crap! Are the Martians on the sun with SUVs now?? We must stop them!
” As a kid, I saw NASA as an organization of geniuses and heroes.
Today... not so much.”
I agree with you. It is now way to political.
No pun intended.... Just a plain old typo. Never expected to do my own typing when growing up. Always had secretaries take dictation! I now regret that!
What if it doesn’t happen?
“but....but...but.... we were just informed this week that we are entering an ice age due to low solar activity....”
Maybe the sun pulls its energy back just prior to a big explosion. Kind of like the water on the beach at the ocean just prior to a sunami.
What if the Earth’s magnetic field flips tomorrow?
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