Severe geomagnetic solar storm could impact technology. Here are some ways to prepare
(FOX40.COM) – A strong solar storm, known as a geomagnetic storm, is tearing through Earth and authorities said the astronomical event could impact technology.
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A geomagnetic storm is a major disturbance of Earth’s magnetosphere that occurs when there is a very efficient exchange of energy from the solar wind to the space environment around Earth, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. These storms produce significant changes in the currents, plasmas and fields of the Earth’s magnetosphere.
On Friday, NOAA warned the public about a severe geomagnetic storm that recently hit Earth and will have effects that will last through the weekend and into next week. The last time a solar event of this magnitude (G5) happened was more than 20 years ago.
According to the National Weather Service, communications, global positioning systems, electrical grids, spacecraft, satellite navigation and other technologies could be affected. Additionally, users of high-frequency radio signals may experience signal loss.
The last solar storm of this intensity occurred in October 2003. It caused power outages in Sweden and damaged power transformers in South Africa. The current storm could rival the intensity of the 1859 Carrington event, which caused global communications disruptions and fires. telegraph stations, according to earth.com.
How to Prepare for an Extreme Geomagnetic Storm
“Space weather can have an impact on our advanced technologies, which have a direct impact on our daily lives,” NWS said. “To begin preparing for the potential loss of electrical power in an extreme geomagnetic storm, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.”
The NWS offered other ways to prepare for severe solar storms:
•Stock up on essentials and don’t wait until stores are empty or closed.
•Fill plastic containers with water and place them in the refrigerator or freezer.
•Keep vehicle gas tanks at least half full because gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.
• Store extra batteries for your phone in a safe place or purchase a solar-powered or hand-crank charger.
• Keep a non-cordless phone in your home because it will work without electricity.
While preparedness is recommended, the NWS said the vast majority of NOAA Geomagnetic Scale Level 5 (G5) storms will not cause catastrophic damage to the power grid.
