Not All Tech Survives Solar Storms, Here’s What’s Most At Risk

Impacts of Solar Storms: Solar storms can disrupt modern technological infrastructure, exemplified by the 1989 Quebec blackout caused by a geomagnetic storm.
Types of Solar Storms: There are three main types: solar flares, radiation storms, and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) which can cause geomagnetic storms.
Effects on Power Grids: Geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) from solar storms can overheat transformers and damage power grid systems, shortening their lifespan.
Satellite Vulnerabilities: Solar storms can damage satellite components, cause bit flips in computer programming, and change orbital paths, potentially causing collisions with other satellites.
Communication Disruptions: Satellites and navigation systems such as GPS can be disrupted, as well as radio communication systems that depend on the ionosphere.
Internet Infrastructure Threats: CMEs can damage submarine fiber optic cables through geomagnetically induced currents, threatening global internet infrastructure.
Preparation and Mitigation: While preparation is challenging due to the rarity of extreme solar storms, essential measures like generators and solar-powered backups can help ensure resilience. The cost and difficulty of upgrading infrastructure to withstand such events are significant.

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