'Power of billion atom bombs': Superflare threat could bring world to a standstill
Produced by: Manoj Kumar
Superflare Threat
Earth is overdue for a solar superflare, potentially releasing one octillion joules of energy—enough to knock out communication systems, power grids, and satellites worldwide.
Frequent Danger
A study from the Max Planck Institute reveals that superflares occur once every 100 years, far more frequently than previously estimated at 1,000 to 10,000 years.
Historic Evidence
Traces of past solar flares are recorded in tree rings and glacial ice layers, but modern data shows Earth is more vulnerable due to increased reliance on technology.
Carrington Scale
The energy from a superflare would exceed the Carrington Event of 1859, which disrupted telegraph networks, by over 100 times.
Satellite Threat
Satellites in low-Earth orbit face increased drag during solar flares, risking dislodgement, communication loss, and system failures.
Global Blackout
A large solar flare could overload power grids, disrupt GPS, and ground aircraft, replicating blackouts seen in Quebec (1989) and Sweden (2003).
Modern Tools
The study tracked 56,450 stars using NASA’s Kepler telescope, finding 2,889 superflares over four years, giving scientists a broader understanding of solar activity.
Early Warning
The European Space Agency plans to launch the Vigil satellite by 2031, which will monitor solar activity and provide crucial warnings for solar storms.
Credit : ESA
Preparedness Call
Co-author Dr. Natalie Krivova emphasizes that the study is a stark reminder to prepare for inevitable solar events with updated infrastructure and space weather monitoring.