This Solar Storm Will Wipe Out Your Internet for Months!

What if the internet suddenly disappeared for months due to a solar superstorm? It may seem like a far-fetched scenario, but scientists are warning that it could happen.

As our reliance on technology continues to grow, so does the potential impact of solar superstorms on our daily lives. These powerful solar events, which occur when the sun releases a massive burst of energy, have the potential to wreak havoc on our electrical and communication systems. And this solar storm could potentially leave you without wi-fi!

What Is a Solar Storm?

A solar superstorm, also known as a solar storm, occurs when the Sun undergoes a significant eruption, releasing intense bursts of energy and particles into space. These eruptions, such as solar flares or coronal mass ejections (CMEs), can have profound effects when they interact with Earth’s magnetic field.

As these charged particles interact with Earth’s magnetosphere, they can cause disturbances known as geomagnetic storms. These storms can disrupt satellite communications, affect power grids, and produce spectacular auroras. While most solar storms are manageable, exceptionally strong ones have the potential to cause significant disruptions to our technological infrastructure and daily lives.

Study Says Solar Storm Could Wipe Out the Internet

At least, that is what you might have heard! George Mason University in Virginia and the Naval Research Laboratory have teamed up to develop an early warning system amid concerns about a potential internet outage. Professor Becker explained that while solar flares are often observed as sudden flashes, CMEs, which are large expulsions of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun’s corona, can sometimes travel in random directions in space or toward Earth. Scientists can typically predict CMEs heading toward Earth with about 18 to 24 hours of warning before they begin to affect Earth’s magnetic field. Similar events have occurred in the past.

In 1859, a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the Sun collided with Earth’s magnetosphere. This triggered a geomagnetic storm known as the Carrington Event. This storm caused telegraph systems to fail, with sparks flying off telegraph lines and some operators even getting electrocuted due to the unexpected high voltage carried by the wires. Professor Becker warns that a similar event today could have even more significant consequences. This given the advanced state of our global communication systems.

Is This Actually True?

Contrary to recent headlines, there’s no imminent internet apocalypse looming. According to space.com, concerns about a potential months-long catastrophe stemmed from discussions on social media. This came following a 2021 study titled “Solar Superstorms: Planning for an Internet Apocalypse.“ The study suggested that a major solar storm could potentially damage undersea internet cables. They are critical for global internet connectivity. However, it’s worth noting that the study has not yet undergone peer review despite being presented at a data communication conference in 2021.

Misinformation stemming from fictitious NASA warnings has reignited concerns about an “internet apocalypse.” Online discussions now include baseless claims about an imminent solar storm causing a global internet blackout within the next decade. Additionally, unfounded assertions suggest that NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, launched in 2018 to study the sun, could somehow prevent this supposed catastrophe.

Do you think a solar storm could wipe out the internet?

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