Comments on: 1 in 8 chance of catastrophic solar megastorm by 2020

By: Editor

Editor — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:51:15 +0000

To clarify, a solar megastorm may cripple some power grids (especially at higher latitudes), but it does not generate an EMP, and does not affect electronic devices, except those on satellites, spacecraft, and communication systems. NASA has a FAQ on this subject here: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/sunearth/spaceweather/index.html#q5

By: Tesla

Tesla — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 23:22:43 +0000

A giant EMP, Electro magnetic pulse could cause widespread issues, but not just the USA, but worldwide, Imagine the WORLDS power grids all being fried simultaneously by such an issue, it would take years to recover, with Military, and Emergency facilitys recieving prioritys. No Internet, No TV, No Radio NO Hackers…NO ELECTRONIC DEVICES….wouldnt it be interesting to go back 125 years to the time when none of these devices existed, As they rebuilt the worldwide power systems and hardened them from future issues. What an interesting experiment it would be to have the WORLD, stop using all electrical and elctronic devices for one week. Hospitals and Militarys would be excluded but they could participate with planning…..IMAGINE…..

By: Kennita Watson

Kennita Watson — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 01:25:01 +0000

If we don’t get the megaflare, are we more likely than usual to get a larger-than-usual flare that causes millions or billions in damage, or nothing out of the ordinary?

By: Davide Pintus

Davide Pintus — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 00:08:03 +0000

Wasn’t this supposed to happen in 2012?
Oh well.

By: Editor

Editor — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:25:39 +0000

Tom, you’re right. We are all toast when the power grid goes down (from a solar megastorm or from a modified STUXNET virus).

By: Tom Keller

Tom Keller — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:22:16 +0000

But it’s the power grid that is the main issue – All the transformers will be fried, and we don’t have any spares, and they are made in other countries.

By: cosmowrench

cosmowrench — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 10:03:58 +0000

Considering the consequences, 12% is unacceptable.

By: wiseman

wiseman — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:02:48 +0000

with a 25% chance of winning in poker I am usually going all-in, so we’re good :)

By: Tomas_James

Tomas_James — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 03:03:55 +0000

12% chance that it will happen, that also means 88% chance that it won’t happen.

By: cosmowrench

cosmowrench — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 02:34:31 +0000

If the emp is caused by particles from the sun, we could have hours to prepare. If it is caused by radiation we would have no warning at all.

By: Spikosauropod

Spikosauropod — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 19:13:51 +0000

No, just kidding.

I must compliment you on your alertness.

By: Kyle Rybski

Kyle Rybski — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 17:06:23 +0000

It would effectively be a global EMP, so we’re talking most solid-state electronics around the world being fried. Suddenly: 1950s.

However, Faraday cages aren’t difficult to make. Even a galvanized steel garbage can would do the job. If we had enough warning of such an event, the damage could be minimized to great effect.

Just make sure those all those damn planes are on the ground.

By: Kyle Rybski

Kyle Rybski — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 16:42:31 +0000

Not sure if serious.

By: Spikosauropod

Spikosauropod — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 14:53:12 +0000

I wonder if this is caused by global warming?

By: wiseman

wiseman — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 14:23:07 +0000

sounds like the movie 2012, lol
I can’t really imagine any natural desaster that would take a decade to recover from – a little more info about what would happen would be nice (scientific info, that is)