Solar Super Storm

[Moontanman]

Bracing the Satellite Infrastructure for a Solar Superstorm: Scientific American

[freeztar]

Is there something you wanted to discuss?

I can think of lots of stuff, but I'm curious as to why *you* posted this article.

[Moontanman]

Is there something you wanted to discuss?

I can think of lots of stuff, but I'm curious as to why *you* posted this article.

 

I thought the News In Brief thread was a good place to post New science news. Sorry

[InfiniteNow]

I suppose Global Warming Catastrophists are going to try to blame that one on human activities, too. ;)

 

</tongue in cheek>

[Moontanman]

A storm of that size would have dire consequences for anyone in space. It could wipe out a moon base in just a few minutes. Any space craft in flight to another planet would be toast. Is such a storm predictable?

[freeztar]

A storm of that size would have dire consequences for anyone in space. It could wipe out a moon base in just a few minutes. Any space craft in flight to another planet would be toast. Is such a storm predictable?

 

That's a good question. I suppose that SOHO might give us some forewarning, but...not really. I think that we really can't prepare for such a catastrophe until it happens once. :fly:

[Turtle]

A storm of that size would have dire consequences for anyone in space. It could wipe out a moon base in just a few minutes. Any space craft in flight to another planet would be toast. Is such a storm predictable?

 

Some think so: >>

Solar cycle 24, due to peak in 2010 or 2011 "looks like its going to be one of the most intense cycles since record-keeping began almost 400 years ago," says solar physicist David Hathaway of the Marshall Space Flight Center. He and colleague Robert Wilson presented this conclusion last week at the American Geophysical Union meeting in San Francisco.

 

Their forecast is based on historical records of geomagnetic storms.

 

Hathaway explains: "When a gust of solar wind hits Earth's magnetic field, the impact causes the magnetic field to shake. If it shakes hard enough, we call it a geomagnetic storm." In the extreme, these storms cause power outages and make compass needles swing in the wrong direction. Auroras are a beautiful side-effect. ...

http://hypography.com/forums/astronomy-news/9636-scientists-predict-big-solar-cycle.html

 

For as long as it lasts, SOHO does offer a few hours warning of impending storm arrivals. Astronauts currently have time to reorient their craft if necessary and get into the most protected sections. Such action likely won't continue to work however in the face of a protracted storm or closely timed series. :fly: