Featured Image Credit: Javier Zayas Photography/MARK GARLICK/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images
A powerful solar storm that would cost $600 billion in damages could hit Earth in 2025.
As the sun reaches the climax of its 11 year cycle, solar activity increases and it could be hazardous to our planet.
Now, scientists are warning that the worst geomagnetic storm in 165 years could be upon us.
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Back in 1859, the worst solar storm in recorded history took place, known as the Carrington Event.
This caused incredible auroral displays but the storm also resulted in fires in telegraph stations.
The cause behind it was likely a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun that had directly hit Earth.
However, if it occurred today, a geomagnetic storm could potentially cause widespread blackouts, electrical disruptions and cuts to the power grid.
Using data from the Carrington Event, researchers at Lloyd's of London and Atmospheric and Environmental Research (AER) in the US calculated that a similar event today could cost anywhere between $600 billion to a colossal $2.6 trillion in damages in just the US alone.
One science YouTuber Dianna Cowern, who is known online as @physicsgirl, uploaded a video explaining how it is basically ‘sun vomit’ that would be the cause of the damage.
In the clip, she said: “It’s a big deal with the sun’s magnetic field flips.
“For us, what it means is these periods of heightened and potentially extreme solar activity.
“So, the peak of the solar cycle will happen in 2025, so that means increasing solar activity right now, which means a higher chance of seeing auroras.”
Many viewers took to the YouTube comment section to share their thoughts on the upcoming solar phenomenon.
One user wrote: “The thing that alarms me, is when the Carrington event happened, there was very little electrical infrastructure. Mainly telegraph stuff. There were reports of telegraph wires and offices catching fire.
“Fast forward to today, and there is electrical wires in every home, every business, every building.
Never mind the power going out, think of the millions upon millions of structure fires as the wiring in the walls catches fire.”
Another said: “I've heard about the danger and our lack of preparedness a few times, but I had no idea we already had such a close miss. Not going full prepper, but learning some non-IT skills seems rather prudent now.”
And a third person added: “Well this is a fun video to get recommended literally 3 DAYS BEFORE 2025.”
