The first solar flare occurred in 1859. It was discovered by astronomer Richard Carrington, who observed the sun. And as a result, after this epidemic, humanity faced the most powerful geomagnetic storm of all time.
Currently, scientists observe the Sun through observatories and satellites. In most cases, solar flares and coronal ejections of matter do not threaten the planet. Basically, these flares and emissions don’t even reach Earth, and those that do can’t cause any damage.
But when the three factors come together, there can be a serious threat to humans.
- Magnetic alignment of geomagnetic storms with respect to Earth is required. Otherwise, solar storms will not pose a danger to the planet: in the worst case, they will cause the aurora borealis. In general, such an arrangement is extremely rare.
- Solar flares must interact with the solar corona. The most dangerous would be the situation where the emission of coronal matter would be directed towards Earth and the particles would move at a fairly high speed.
- Numerous electrical infrastructures. In particular, there should be a large number of electric coils and circuits. In addition, even if there is no battery, an electric charge will occur, the voltage generator and electronic devices will be turned off. Power plants, substations may eventually fail and people may be left without electricity. The water and heat supply will stop.
Source: Port Altele
