Solar storms are powerful eruptions of energy from the sun that can travel millions of miles through space and impact our planet. These storms can cause a variety of effects on Earth, including geomagnetic disturbances, power outages, and disruptions to satellite communications. In a world that runs on electricity and power, a solar storm knocking this out for months would cause major panic and devastation. You should prepare for such an event to happen, even it’s unlikely.

What Causes Solar Storms?

Solar storms are caused by the release of magnetic energy from the sun. This energy can be released in the form of solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and solar wind. When solar flares, CMEs, or solar wind interact with Earth’s magnetic field, they can cause geomagnetic disturbances. These disturbances can disrupt the flow of electricity in the ground, which can lead to power outages. Geomagnetic disturbances can also disrupt satellite communications and cause problems with navigation systems.

What Are The Effects Of Solar Storms?

The effects of solar storms on Earth can vary depending on the intensity of the storm. Minor solar storms may only cause minor disruptions to satellite communications and navigation systems. However, major solar storms can cause widespread power outages and damage to infrastructure. In 1989, a CME caused a massive power outage in Quebec, Canada, affecting over six million people. In 2003, a CME caused a power outage in Sweden that lasted for several hours. This was later known as the “Halloween Storms 2003“.

Solar storms can also have an impact on human health. Geomagnetic disturbances can cause headaches, nausea, and fatigue. In some cases, geomagnetic disturbances can also trigger heart problems and other health conditions. Unfortunately, there aren’t many ways to combat the health issues that solar storms may cause. All we can do is educate ourselves about the possibilities. If there is an impending solar storm, the best thing to do would be to stay indoors.