According to certain researchers, there exists a possibility of a solar superstorm causing a widespread internet outage within the coming decade.
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| As per researchers, the potential for a solar superstorm causing a significant disruption to the internet is being considered within the next ten years. |
According to a report by The Weather Channel in June, a NASA probe could hold the solution to mitigating a potential solar superstorm that could result in an "internet apocalypse." Additionally, the federal agency has also revealed a new system that utilizes artificial intelligence to enhance predictions of such extreme events.
In a 2021 study by Sangeetha Abdu Jyothi, a computer science expert at the University of California, Irvine, it was suggested that there is a 1.6 percent to 12 percent probability of a severe and prolonged internet disruption occurring within the next decade. Jyothi's research indicated that such a catastrophic blackout could potentially result in a daily economic loss of $7 billion for the United States. However, NASA experts have made significant progress in understanding the origins of solar winds, thanks to the findings from the Parker Solar Probe. These insights are crucial in preparing for the potential impact of solar winds on Earth's satellites, radio communications, internet infrastructure, and electrical grids.
NASA's Parker Solar Probe, launched in 2018, achieved the milestone of becoming the first spacecraft to approach the sun and penetrate its upper atmosphere known as the corona. The primary objective of this mission was to enable scientists to study the mechanisms that propel solar winds to supersonic speeds and investigate their impact on the larger space weather system. James Drake, a physics professor at the University of Maryland, explained to Forbes' Jamie Carter in 2021 that comprehending the process behind the sun's wind is crucial for practical purposes on Earth. It directly influences our understanding of solar energy release and the driving forces behind geomagnetic storms, which pose a threat to our communication networks.
Since the deployment of the Parker Solar Probe, scientists have made significant discoveries regarding solar winds, which are composed of charged particles. They have found that these solar winds are fueled by bursts of energy called jetlets, originating from the corona. This revelation has altered the existing understanding of certain aspects of solar wind dynamics, according to physicist Craig DeForest, as mentioned in a NASA report. The ongoing research, coupled with additional data collected by the Parker Solar Probe, holds the potential for future scientific breakthroughs. DeForest further emphasized that while the puzzle is not fully solved, these findings represent a significant advancement in comprehending a fundamental mystery in solar physics.
In addition to these discoveries, scientists must also consider the 11-year solar cycle. During the cycle's "maximum" phase, which is anticipated to occur in 2025, electromagnetic activity on the sun reaches its peak, posing an increased risk of disruption to life on Earth. To better assess the potential dangers, NASA has developed a new computer model that utilizes artificial intelligence to forecast extreme solar conditions. This innovative technology can provide a 30-minute warning time to predict the location where a solar storm will impact Earth. If adopted by power grid operators and telecommunication companies worldwide, this model can assist in safeguarding their systems by initiating temporary shutdowns or moving them offline. NASA highlights that such measures could offer sufficient time to prepare for these storms and prevent severe impacts on critical infrastructure, as stated on their official website.
#news #space #NASA #internet #apocalypse #solar #superstorm
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