Posted by onawah
(here)
Massive Solar Flares Are Disrupting More Than Just Cell Phones
Story by Lorand Pottino
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/techn...&ei=54#image=7
(Slide show at the link)
(This is on the mainstream MSN website and it's far from the whole story, but it's some indication of how the truth has got to come out sooner or later, since it's becoming more and more evident how the solar cycle/geomagnetic pole reversal is beginning to manifest more obviously, and can't rationally be hidden any longer.)
"Understanding Solar Flares: The Basics
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Solar flares are powerful eruptions of energy from the sun’s surface, often compared to the explosive force of millions of nuclear bombs going off at once. These bursts are caused by sudden changes in the sun’s magnetic field, which release energy in the form of radiation.
NASA categorizes solar flares into A, B, C, M, and X classes, with X-class representing the most intense. Since the start of Solar Cycle 25 in December 2019, the sun’s activity has steadily increased, and experts predict the activity will reach its peak in 2025.
Solar observatories have already recorded a surge in both the frequency and intensity of these flares throughout 2024. This uptick in solar activity means that disruptions are not just possible—they’re expected, and they are already being documented in real time.
The escalation in solar flares is pushing scientists and governments to re-examine how vulnerable our modern technological society is to these cosmic events.
Impact on Communication Systems
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The effects of strong solar flares on communication networks have become impossible to ignore in 2024. On March 29, a potent X1.0-class solar flare caused widespread radio blackouts throughout the Pacific, temporarily cutting off aviation and maritime communications.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed that high-frequency radio signals—used by pilots and ships—were severely hampered for several hours. These events aren’t just technical glitches; they can delay flights, disrupt logistics, and hinder rescue operations.
In April 2024, emergency communication centers in Australia and New Zealand reported significant signal losses tied directly to ongoing solar activity. As the backbone of global connectivity, satellite and ground-based communication infrastructure face increasing pressure to adapt.
The urgency to create more robust, solar-resilient systems is greater than ever, with industry leaders now accelerating investments in shielding and redundant pathways.
Disruption of Power Grids
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Solar flares can trigger geomagnetic storms that send surges of electrical current through power lines, threatening the stability of entire national grids. In 1989, a solar-induced geomagnetic storm famously caused a nine-hour blackout in Quebec, affecting millions.
Fast-forward to 2024, and the U.S. Department of Energy has issued multiple warnings about similar threats as solar activity intensifies.
In March 2024, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) launched a comprehensive study of North American grid infrastructure, identifying areas most susceptible to solar-induced currents. Utilities in the Midwest and Northeast have since initiated upgrades, such as installing new surge protectors and real-time monitoring systems.
The risk is not just theoretical: minor voltage fluctuations attributed to solar storms were recorded in Texas and Ontario during a flare event in April 2024. Experts warn that with Solar Cycle 25 peaking soon, utilities must act fast to avoid another large-scale blackout.
Satellite Damage and Risks
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Satellites orbiting Earth face direct exposure to the charged particles unleashed by solar flares, making them highly vulnerable. The European Space Agency (ESA) reported in January 2024 that elevated solar activity has already caused electronics malfunctions in several low-Earth orbit satellites.
The Solar Orbiter, a joint mission by ESA and NASA, lost contact briefly during a flare in February 2024, highlighting the real-time risks. Weather and navigation satellites also experienced data interruptions, causing delays in forecasting and service provision.
Satellite operators are now investing heavily in radiation-hardened components and developing new protocols for emergency shutdowns during severe solar activity. Companies like SpaceX and OneWeb, which operate large satellite constellations, have reported increased maintenance costs and unexpected outages.
The growing reliance on satellite infrastructure for internet, navigation, and surveillance underscores the urgent need for better defenses against the sun’s unpredictable temper.
Impact on Aviation
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Solar flares pose a distinct hazard to aviation, especially for high-altitude and polar flights. When solar activity spikes, radiation levels in the upper atmosphere can increase sharply, endangering both passengers and crew.
In March 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advised airlines to reroute several transpolar flights after a series of solar flares raised radiation exposure risks. Airlines including Delta and Air Canada publicly confirmed changing flight paths, resulting in longer travel times and increased fuel costs.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has since updated its guidelines, recommending real-time solar weather monitoring for all long-haul carriers. In one case, a commercial flight from Tokyo to New York was forced to divert to Anchorage, adding hours to the trip, after ground control detected elevated solar radiation levels.
The stakes are high, as even a few additional microSieverts of radiation can pose long-term health risks to frequent flyers and flight crews.
Health Risks from Increased Radiation
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The surge in solar activity has put the spotlight on radiation exposure risks, particularly for astronauts and airline personnel. NASA’s February 2024 health assessment found that astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) experienced radiation levels up to three times higher during strong solar flare events.
This has prompted the agency to roll out new shielding measures and adjust mission schedules to avoid peak solar activity windows. Airline crews, especially those on transpolar routes, are now subject to stricter monitoring and reporting of cumulative radiation doses.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for more comprehensive studies on the long-term effects of chronic low-dose cosmic radiation, given the uptick in solar flare activity. In May 2024, several European airlines began testing wearable radiation monitors for pilots and cabin crew to track real-time exposure.
These measures reflect a growing awareness that solar flares are not just a technological nuisance—they also represent a genuine occupational health concern.
Economic Implications of Solar Disruptions
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The financial stakes of solar-induced disruptions are staggering. A March 2024 report by the National Academy of Sciences estimated that a severe solar storm could inflict up to $2 trillion in economic damages in the United States alone.
The report breaks down costs across power grid failures, communication outages, disrupted transportation, and lost productivity in key industries. In April 2024, several financial institutions, including JPMorgan Chase and Citi, highlighted solar flare risks in their annual risk assessments, warning clients about potential market volatility tied to infrastructure outages.
Insurance companies have also begun recalculating premiums for satellite and energy companies in light of new solar weather data. The ripple effects extend to smaller businesses as well, with disruptions to supply chains and e-commerce platforms reported during recent solar events.
The message from economists is clear: ignoring solar threats could cost far more than investing in preventative technologies.
Advances in Predictive Technology
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Recent breakthroughs in solar flare prediction are offering a glimmer of hope against the rising tide of sun-induced disruptions. The Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) and the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) provide continuous, real-time monitoring of solar activity, delivering vital data to researchers around the world.
In 2024, scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, unveiled a new algorithm that predicts the likelihood of major solar flares with up to 80% accuracy, a significant jump from earlier models. This tool is now being integrated into NOAA’s early warning systems, allowing utility companies, airlines, and satellite operators to prepare for incoming solar events.
NASA has also launched the SunRISE mission, a network of small satellites designed to detect early signs of solar outbursts, in March 2024. These technological advancements are shifting the balance from reactive crisis management to proactive risk mitigation, reducing the element of surprise that has historically accompanied solar storms.
Preparing for Future Solar Events
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With Solar Cycle 25 expected to reach its peak in 2025, organizations across the globe are ramping up preparations for more frequent and severe solar events. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have joined forces to develop comprehensive response frameworks, which include public alerts, infrastructure hardening, and emergency drills.
In May 2024, several major U.S. cities conducted solar storm preparedness exercises, testing coordination between utilities, emergency services, and communication providers.
Businesses are revising their disaster recovery plans to account for solar-induced outages, while schools and public agencies are launching awareness campaigns about the risks. These coordinated efforts reflect a growing recognition that solar flares are not a distant, abstract problem—they are a present-day challenge requiring immediate action and ongoing vigilance.
Effects on GPS Technology
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GPS is woven into the fabric of daily life, from navigation apps to precision agriculture, and solar flares have proven to be a direct threat to its reliability. In April 2024, the Journal of Geophysical Research published findings that solar flares caused GPS position errors as high as 10 meters during peak activity periods.
These inaccuracies can create chaos for emergency responders, airlines, and self-driving vehicles that rely on pinpoint navigation. The U.S.
Department of Defense, recognizing the strategic risk, has allocated additional funding for research aimed at reducing GPS vulnerabilities. During a flare event in May 2024, several commercial airlines in North America and Europe reported GPS signal losses, forcing pilots to switch to manual navigation methods.
Companies in logistics and agriculture also noted disruptions, with crop-spraying drones and delivery fleets reporting major delays. The ongoing challenge is to develop GPS technology that can withstand or quickly recover from solar-induced errors."Economic Implications of Solar Disruptions
©wikimedia
The financial stakes of solar-induced disruptions are staggering. A March 2024 report by the National Academy of Sciences estimated that a severe solar storm could inflict up to $2 trillion in economic damages in the United States alone.
The report breaks down costs across power grid failures, communication outages, disrupted transportation, and lost productivity in key industries. In April 2024, several financial institutions, including JPMorgan Chase and Citi, highlighted solar flare risks in their annual risk assessments, warning clients about potential market volatility tied to infrastructure outages.
Insurance companies have also begun recalculating premiums for satellite and energy companies in light of new solar weather data. The ripple effects extend to smaller businesses as well, with disruptions to supply chains and e-commerce platforms reported during recent solar events.
The message from economists is clear: ignoring solar threats could cost far more than investing in preventative technologies.
"
Re: Is Ben Davidson starting to run a Doomsday cult?
(76 years now) and not able to keep spending as much time on the forum as previously.
Reply With Quote
That isn't intended to be judgemental, but for me it's not where I want to put my energy. 
)
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