We’ve all heard about the news of a massive solar superstorm possibly striking Earth sometime next year. As expected, the Internet has been in a meltdown ever since the potentially life-changing event made the headlines.
The scare of a solar superstorm hitting the planet is definitely justified. One of the major effects of this natural phenomenon is what researchers call an “internet apocalypse”.
Unfortunately, this is not an exaggeration. When they say an internet apocalypse might occur, they’re right on the money. Experts have noticed that activity from the sun has been slow for quite some time now, but things might just change at any moment.
Professor Peter Becker, a lead researcher and professor from George Mason University, talks more about the sun’s behavior as of late. He says, “The internet has come of age during a time when the sun has been relatively quiet, and now it’s entering a more active time”.
Discussing more about what’s at stake if ever a solar superstorm does happen, Professor Mason explains the unique situation society is possibly faced with, he shares, “It’s the first time in human history that there’s been an intersection of increased solar activity with our dependence on the internet and our global economic dependence on the internet.”
How will Earth be affected?
A solar superstorm happens when the sun behaves in an abnormal manner. Be it in the form of solar flares or coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These phenomena can impact the planets in the solar system including Earth.
One of the major results of these activities is the projection of particles that can potentially reach Earth and its magnetic fields. This event causes several natural events such as auroras; however, on the flip side, a solar superstorm can also affect most of Earth’s communication lines and satellites among other major technological networks.
The result can range from minor disturbances to major disasters. These can vary from power outages, disrupted phone lines, and perhaps the most threatening of them all — the breakdown of the Internet for an unspecified amount of time.
If a solar superstorm does indeed hit Earth, and the Internet is among the affected networks, then a lot of important functions will be greatly affected. Some important sectors such as health, food, and the overall economy will definitely be impacted by a solar superstorm event.
How to Prepare?
While the possibility of a solar superstorm hitting Earth is still being investigated and experts are currently looking for emergency safety protocols to better prepare humanity for the potential effects of the natural event, there are some things you can do to prepare as well.
These are:
- Prepare an emergency kit
- Back up your data
- Have an alternative power source
- Secure your electronics
- Keep yourself informed on the latest updates
