Space weather, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections, has always been a part of Earth’s natural environment. During the latest solar maximum phase starting in October 2024, solar activity increased, leading to visible auroras. Various organizations, including NASA and NOAA, monitor solar activity to predict and mitigate the effects of solar storms on technology on Earth.
Solar flares are large explosions on the sun’s surface that send out energy and particles into space. Solar flares combined with coronal mass ejections during the solar maximum pose a risk to technology on Earth. These events can disrupt communication systems, damage satellites, disrupt GPS networks, cause power grid outages, and even damage personal electronics.
The Carrington Event in 1859 was the most significant geomagnetic storm in history, which disrupted telegraph systems. A similar event today could cause widespread damage to technology, satellites, and power grids. It is crucial to monitor solar activity and take precautions to protect against the effects of solar flares, including unplugging electronics during heightened solar activity, creating data backups, and storing spare electronics in shielded containers.
While significant solar storms like the Carrington Event are rare, the potential impact on technology requires continued monitoring and preparedness. By understanding how solar flares affect technology and taking proactive steps to protect devices, individuals and organizations can reduce the risk of damage during solar storms.
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