The geomagnetic or solar storm that made the aurora borealis visible in several places around the world, areas where it normally cannot be seen, can also have disastrous consequences for electrical networks, especially for communities that rely heavily on electricity, according to an analysis by the Smart Energy Association. Starting from the middle of this year, the most aggressive solar storms in the last century are expected.
A solar storm occurs when solar activity interacts with Earth’s magnetic field. The phenomenon is actually a cloud charged with particles emanating from the sun, which crosses space at supersonic speeds. Under optimal conditions, the so-called cloud can reach the Earth’s magnetic field in just a few hours.
Following the impact between the solar wind and the terrestrial magnetic field, the aurora appears, an optical phenomenon consisting of an intense glow observed in the night sky.
When it occurs in the northern hemisphere, the phenomenon is known as the aurora borealis. In the southern hemisphere, the phenomenon is called the aurora australis, and in the polar regions, the aurora borealis.
The strongest geomagnetic storm in the last 151 years was recorded on August 28, 1859. Known as the “Carrington Event”, after the astronomer Richard Carrington who observed the phenomenon, the storm affected telegraph networks around the world.
According to articles at the time, the aurora borealis was so powerful that people could read by its light. A newspaper of the time presented the phenomenon as follows:
“Awoken by the light of the aurora, the gold seekers from the Rocky Mountains began to prepare their breakfast and prepare for a new day of work. In fact, it was still night. Also then, the telegraph system throughout Europe and North America collapsed. The poles were throwing sparks, and the devices continued to receive and send messages even though they had been disconnected from the power source.”
From August 28 to September 2, 1859, numerous sunspots and solar flares were observed on the Sun. Just before noon on September 1, British astronomer Richard Carrington observed the largest flare, which resulted in a coronal giant mass ejection (CME), coming straight toward Earth.
The second major geomagnetic storm occurred on July 23, 2012. Fortunately, it narrowly “missed” Earth.
The phenomenon called “solar storm” (geomagnetic storm) is generally harmless because our planet’s magnetic field is strong enough to block any harmful waves and redirect electromagnetic particles towards the poles, where they form the auroras.
However, the Sun also causes magnetic storms so intense that they cannot be deflected by the magnetic field and cause severe damage to the Earth’s surface. In 2024, the most aggressive solar peak of the last century is announced.
The solar cycle is 11 years long and has a minimum and a maximum. Initially, the solar maximum was predicted at the beginning of 2025, but NASA experts announce it earlier: from mid-2024 until the end of next year, it is possible to witness several large solar storms.
“100 years ago, technology based on electricity and electromagnetism was not as advanced as it is today. Obviously, satellites, the Internet, high-precision equipment, etc. all could be destroyed by electromagnetic storms of huge amplitude, which would leave humanity without all current technological progress.
If in 1859 a solar storm destroyed the telegraph network in the US and Europe, today it would destroy the entire electronic infrastructure of the planet, such as satellites, internet cables or radio communications. Also, the electricity supply and the functioning of the institutions will be affected. A strong solar storm, although very rare, could throw the world into chaos and keep regions of the planet disconnected from energy and telecommunications for months,” says Dumitru Chisăliță, president of the Intelligent Energy Association, as quoted by Hotnews.ro.
The probability of such a phenomenon occurring is between 1.6% and 12% per decade. Scientists believe that if it happens, our infrastructure is not ready for a high-intensity solar storm, adds the specialist. “At a time when people are dependent on technology, the solar storms announced in the next period could cause chaos worldwide. Imagine what it would mean to have to give up phones, computers and everything that means technology, but also electricity, until they are back in operation,” he said.
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