Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

The increased interest among scientists regarding the potential consequences of the upcoming Solar Maximum in the current solar cycle.

Details

• The Sun is set to reach the Solar Maximum in the next two years of the current solar cycle.
• Heightened interest among scientists regarding the potential impact on Earth.
• Possibility of disruption to large-scale communication infrastructure and the "internet apocalypse."
• Lack of comment from NASA on the possibility of an internet outage caused by a solar storm by 2025.

What is the Solar Maximum?

• Period of peak solar activity with the strongest and most disordered magnetic field.
• Solar cycles last around 11 years, and the solar maximum occurs roughly in the middle of each cycle.
• Increased solar activity during the solar maximum can cause large-scale solar storms, eruptions, and flares.
• Potential impacts on Earth: disruption of radio communications, power grid, internet, and health risks for astronauts.
• Unlikely for individuals on Earth to experience direct effects of the solar maximum

Internet Apocalypse Concerns

• Uncertainty surrounding the potential impact of the 2025 solar storm on the global internet.
• Historical examples: Carrington Event of 1859 caused telegraph line disruptions, 1989 solar storm disrupted the Quebec power grid.
• The Washington Post report highlights valid concerns about the impact on Earth's interconnected infrastructure.
• Lack of experience with extreme case events and unknown response of infrastructure.
• Computer science professor, Sangeetha Abdu Jyothi, mentions the term "internet apocalypse" in her research.
• Severe solar storms can damage undersea communication cables, leading to long-distance connectivity interruptions.
• Potential economic impact: reports suggest more than $11 billion in losses in a single day for the US alone.

https://www.cnbctv18.com/science/sun-to-reach-solar-maximum-by-2025-likely-to-cause-complete-global-internet-outage-17200941.htm

Download PDF