Although there's still evidence of solar material erupting frequently on the sun, none have reached the magnitude of the 1859 event. But what if one did?
We have some idea based on lesser solar flare explosions that produced clouds of charged particles that have crashed into Earth's magnetic field, causing the field to waver in what researchers call a "geomagnetic storm." [source: NOAA]
In February 2011, for example, a solar storm interrupted GPS signals for several minutes, which could potentially have spelled disaster for commercial airplanes or ships relying on GPS guidance systems to land or dock during that time. [source: NASA]
Over a decade afterward, on April 21, 2023, a powerful solar event sent a fast-moving burst of plasma toward Earth, causing a severe geomagnetic storm two days later.
This storm disrupted power, communication systems and satellite functions. It also created brilliant auroras. Monitored by NOAA's DSCOVR spacecraft, this was the third major storm of its kind in the current solar cycle, following similar events in 2021 and earlier in 2023.
Tech Interference
If a "Carrington-sized" solar flare were to hit Earth today, it would emit X-rays and ultraviolet light, which would reach Earth's atmosphere and interfere with electronics, as well as radio and satellite signals.
It would also cause a solar radiation storm, which could potentially be deadly to astronauts not fully equipped with protective gear and unprotected by Earth's atmosphere.
Finally, a cloud of charged particles (that coronal mass ejection we mentioned earlier) would bump against Earth's magnetic field. Such an event would mean outages that would decommission everything from cell phones and computers to automobiles and airplanes. Cities would lose power for weeks and, potentially, months — and many activities necessary to daily life would no longer be possible.
Take a trip to refuel at a gas station, for example. Simply using a credit or debit card to pay for a few gallons of gas requires a satellite transaction, and creating one would no longer be possible.
The potential consequences of a large-scale solar flare hitting Earth have scientists scrambling to develop an early warning system and new solar flare detection methods, much like their predecessors once learned to forecast deadly tornadoes and other weather events. Someday, we might just have solar flare warnings alongside hurricane warnings and thunderstorm watches.
FAQs
Solar storms can be dangerous to our technologies
What will happen if the solar storm hits Earth? ›
We all know that major storms can wreak havoc, flooding cities and decimating infrastructure. But there's an even bigger worry than wind and rain: space weather. If a massive solar storm hit us, our technology would be wiped out. The entire planet could go dark.
How will the solar storm affect us? ›
Despite its strong magnitude, NASA emphasizes harmful radiation from solar flares “cannot pass through Earth's atmosphere to physically affect humans on the ground.” However, the G4 storm is considered "severe" because it's capable of causing technology issues and potential communication disruptions on Earth.
Should I prepare for a solar storm? ›
For those who want to be prepared in case the solar storm impacts their area, the SWPC pointed to a FEMA list of recommendations: Build an emergency kit, much like one you'd use in case of a natural disaster. Freeze plastic containers with water to create ice packs. They can help keep food cool if you lose power.
Will a solar storm hit Earth in 2025? ›
That 'maximum' will finally come in the heat of the summer next year: July 2025. 'We could easily get much bigger storms over the next year or two,' Dr Jonathan McDowell of Smithsonian and Harvard's Center for Astrophysics told DailyMail.com.
Can a human survive a solar storm? ›
These storms are awesome to contemplate, but they cannot harm our human bodies as long as we remain on the surface of Earth, where we're protected by Earth's blanket of atmosphere.
Could a solar storm end life on Earth? ›
Solar flares occur frequently, but generally not with enough force to produce harmful effects on Earth. Scientists can identify three storms in the past 150 years of sufficient magnitude to cause real disruption: one in 1859, one in 1872 and one in 1921.
Will a solar storm hit Earth in 2024? ›
Dazzling auroras—like this one over northwestern England—were the most noticeable effects of a powerful geomagnetic storm that struck Earth on May 10, 2024. But the event also impacted air traffic, satellite operations, global communications and even GPS-guided farm equipment.
How long would a solar storm last? ›
The actual storm can last anywhere from minutes to hours, but the resulting impacts can last for hours to weeks or longer. Conservation during and after a storm is key in the rare case of an extreme storm.
Does aluminum foil protect against solar flares? ›
To protect emergency backup electronics such as a radio or laptop, put them (unplugged) inside a sealed cardboard box, then wrap the box completely with aluminum foil. Another solution is to line the inside of a metal garbage can with cardboard.
In 2019, it was predicted that the solar maximum would likely occur sometime around July 2025. However, Nature does not have to conform with our predictions, and seems to be giving us the maximum earlier than expected. In fact, there's some thought that we may already be experiencing it right now.
What will happen to the Sun in 2026? ›
The next total solar eclipse will occur on Aug. 12, 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean. Totality, when the moon fully obscures the sun's light, will be visible along a path that cuts through Russia, eastern Greenland, the western coast of Iceland, Spain and a tiny part of Portugal.
What will happen to the Earth in 2025? ›
One of the most critical challenges the Earth currently faces is the loss of biodiversity. By 2025, more species will face extinction due to habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. The health of ecosystems is closely tied to human survival, making biodiversity conservation a priority for the future.
What to do if a solar storm hits? ›
Follow the Emergency Alert System instructions carefully. Restrict phone usage to emergency situations only to keep lines open for emergency personnel and improve thier response time. Avoid using elevators. Review evacuation plans, supply lists such as medications, and family contact lists.
What would happen if the Carrington event happened now? ›
If it were to happen today, it would wreak havoc on technology. Typical amounts of solar particles hitting Earth's magnetosphere can be beautiful, but too much could be catastrophic. Editor's note: This article was first published in 2022 and has been updated.
What happens when solar energy hits the Earth? ›
When Earth's surface ab- sorbs solar radiation, it warms and emits thermal radiation back toward space. However, only some of the heat radiated directly from the surface actually makes it back into space; atmospheric gases, such as water vapor and carbon dioxide, absorb the rest.
