Solar Outburst Disables Modern Tractors on Farms - an Electrical Engineer Clarifies Potential Consequences of a More Severe Event on Power Grids, Internet Infrastructure
In the realm of space weather, geomagnetic storms are events that can have profound effects on Earth's electrical and communication systems. These storms, triggered by the interaction between the solar wind and Earth's magnetic field, can range from minor disturbances to catastrophic events that could plunge the world into darkness for weeks, months, or even longer.
One such catastrophic event, known as the Miyake Event, is extremely rare, occurring on timescales of thousands of years. The Miyake Events are identified by sharp increases in carbon-14 found in tree rings, indicating massive solar particle events hitting Earth. According to research, the biggest known Miyake Event occurred around 12,350 BC, and other Miyake Events have been dated in the last few millennia but happen at intervals of roughly a few thousand years on average.
While Miyake Events are rare, smaller geomagnetic storms do occur more frequently. For instance, a storm 60% smaller than the Miyake Event occurred around A.D. 993, and a storm three times smaller than the famous Carrington Event occurred in Quebec, Canada, in March 1989, causing the Hydro-Quebec electrical grid to collapse and leaving five million people without power for nine hours.
The Carrington Event, which took place in 1859, is a stark reminder of the potential impact of geomagnetic storms. This event caused havoc with one of the earliest electronic technologies, and the aurora borealis was seen as far south as Colombia. If a Carrington-sized storm were to occur today, the global internet, which is held together by a network of cables crisscrossing the world's oceans, could be disrupted. Virtually every mode of transportation, from cars to airplanes, uses GPS for navigation and tracking, and these systems could also be disrupted.
Military systems are heavily dependent on GPS for coordination, and other military detection systems such as over-the-horizon radar and submarine detection systems could be disrupted by geomagnetic storms. Higher density atmospheres caused by these storms create drag on satellites, which could cause them to fall back to Earth if not maneuvered to a higher orbit.
However, developing strategies for adjusting grid loads when solar storms are about to hit is crucial to minimize disruptions. The installation of devices that can shield vulnerable equipment like transformers is another way to protect electrical systems against the effects of geomagnetic storms.
Geomagnetic storms occur when a large bubble of superheated gas called plasma is ejected from the surface of the Sun and hits the Earth. Even with space weather warnings from NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, the world would have only a few minutes to a few hours notice before a geomagnetic storm. During the May 2024 geomagnetic storm, GPS communications were disrupted enough to throw off tractor guidance.
As we continue to rely more and more on technology, understanding and preparing for geomagnetic storms becomes increasingly important. While these events are rare, their potential impact on our modern infrastructure is significant, making it essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
Startups in the space economy are investigating technologies to mitigate the effects of geomagnetic storms on satellites and Earth's infrastructure. Utilizing science, especially in the realm of environmental-science, these startups aim to develop early warning systems for solar storms, which could reduce the risk of satellites being pulled down by the increased atmospheric density. With the rise of space-and-astronomy technology, these startups see a considerable financial opportunity in providing solutions that protect the space economy and bank accounts of businesses that rely on undisturbed communication links. These advancements could have far-reaching implications for industries such as finance, transportation, and military systems, which are all heavily reliant on GPS technology and could face disruptions during geomagnetic storms.
