19 Nov 2023, 15:54

Scientists warn of 'Solar Superstorm'

Strathe Solar Park, November 19 2023 | Experts from various institutions around Europe have warned of the possible implications of a 'Solar Superstorm' to worldwide communication systems. Renowned former CSS Astronaut and Astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson called on the government and private sector to prepare for major disruptions of up to 6 months to the internet and other communication systems due to the sun's activity. A Solar Superstorm or Geomagnetic Storm is a natural phenomenon characterised by disruptions to the Earth's magnetic field caused by a solar wind shock wave. On September 1859, the largest known event of this kind was observed and recorded by astronomers Richard Carrington and Richard Hodgson. The event, now known as the Carrington Event, caused widespread failures in telegraph systems and in some areas caused a sudden spike in electric currents causing operators to be electrocuted. Scientists however cannot provide a definitive date for the event's occurrence, but urged everyone to prepare.