A few months ago NASA warned of a solar storm that would have some effects on Earth. Fortunately, it was relatively small and caused no major damage. However, there is a theory that civilization as we know it could end thanks to a more powerful one.
Today the world is very connected. It is quite dependent on digital media and electricity. So a major failure caused by a solar storm could bring an end to civilization as we know it. Curiously, such an event has already happened, but at a time when humanity hardly had artificial light
This happened in 1859 in what was called the Carrington event, after the amateur astronomer, Richard Carrington. He reported that he saw spots on the sun, evidence of a storm that came to Earth a few hours later. Which caused some havoc in the United States and parts of Europe.
Upon his arrival, a ‘catastrophe’ began in the telegraph systems of that time. Fires were even reported in some offices dedicated to these media. Most impressively, the operators also received electric shocks.
In addition to the impact on telegraphs, very bright northern lights could be seen in different parts of the world. There was even a very curious story with a group of miners from the United States, who woke up scared thinking they had fallen asleep.
We recommend you: What is a solar storm and what are its risks to human life
The Carrington event is the strongest solar storm on record to date. In fact, in 2012 there was a storm of a similar magnitude, but luckily it did not reach Earth. However, if something like this were repeated today, the results would be more impressive.
A new solar storm like the Carrington event would be disastrous
If a large solar storm were to hit us right now, the consequences could end civilization. Especially since electricity is much more important now. Not to mention that almost everything is powered by some kind of digital component.
According to specialist estimates, it would cost millions of dollars to replace all that was damaged in the electrical systems. Not to mention that the repairs would take four years to complete. Of course we do not know what would happen after so many years without electricity.
This scenario sounds catastrophic and the worst thing is that we could not do anything about it. Although there is something positive in all this. According to various calculations, the probability of such a strong solar storm hitting the Earth in the next 10 years is 12%.. A very low figure, but one that is still to be taken seriously.
Don’t stop following us on Google news. You can also go to our Discord to talk about science and other topics.
#solar #storm #civilization #EarthGamer