Is Earth prepared for the coming solar storms?
MAY 08, 2009
DOI: 10.1063/PT.5.023319
csmonitor.com : The Sun is a dynamic, chaotic, and poorly understood cauldron of thermonuclear forces, one that can spit out fierce bursts of radiation at any time.
And when Earth lies in the path of that blast, the flare can play havoc with power grids, disrupt radio communications, and disturb or disable satellites. Fifty years into the Space Age, Earth has avoided the worst the Sun can deliver - so far.
But with the Sun entering a period of increased activity, more frequent solar flares could be headed our way. This has many astronomers and companies asking if satellites and power grids are ready.
© 2009 American Institute of Physics
