OK scientific people - is this scaremongering or a real possibility?

It's reality, but the extent of disruption may be a bit over egged. The sun is being a but unpredictable at the moment, this current quiet period has lasted a lot longer than expected and should have had a greater effect on the Earth's climate. If fact last time it was this quiet there was a mini-ice age.

Now the sun is transitioning to a warmer period where more solar activity is know to cause EM disruption. But we don't have the history of electronics to enable us to predict the result. Semi conductors, i.e. modern electronics is more prone to interference from solar activity than the old valves.

Perhaps I should go and buy some shares in silver foil .

Myarka

OK scientific people - is this scaremongering or a real possibility?

The Sun goes through cycles of activity which sometimes causes an increase in solar activity. It can cause havoc with satellites in particular, and those services that rely on them. However, because of Earth's atmosphere, such storms have much less effect on the surface. Borealis effects tend to be more pronounced however.

Though the article doesn't go so far as to suggest "the end of the world as we know it", it's worth reading that thread.

It's true that solar flares can knock out communication somewhat. But why am I thinking, "Just like Y2K"?

The bottom line is that even a worst-case scenario would not threaten life on earth, apart from the odd upset caused by any lack of communication, IMHO.

V

It's true that solar flares can knock out communication somewhat. But why am I thinking, "Just like Y2K"?

I have to say that is what I thought as well when I read the article. I was convinced life as we knew it would end at Y2K, but what happened? Nothing. It sounds like there is a basis for concern, but as Myarka says, the extent is probably over-stated.

Just another case of doomsday scenario making good headlines I guess.

I have to say that is what I thought as well when I read the article. I was convinced life as we knew it would end at Y2K, but what happened? Nothing. It sounds like there is a basis for concern, but as Myarka says, the extent is probably over-stated.

Just another case of doomsday scenario making good headlines I guess.

The way I look at it is this: I don't pay attention to the media in matters like this (unless it is a warning/apology that service may be interrupted). If a solar event were truly dangerous to humans, governments would be alerting the public. In my job, I occasionally see reports regarding communications systems, such as when solar events occur. I haven't seen anything regarding this issue as yet.

Okay, I just read the article. I must say, it made me chuckle. "Maximum power"? I wonder if that means the setting goes to eleven or that the quoted scientist's name is Nigel Tufnel?

Without me returning to the article again, it said something about "lightening bolts". I hope that was just metaphor, as obviously solar flares do not cause lightening. (They may however give us great views of the aurora.) I suspect the article is very unscientific.

V