Facing the Future: Professor Warns of Impending 'Internet Apocalypse' from Solar Superstorm

  Professor Peter Becker from George Mason University recently warned about a possible "internet apocalypse" in the next decade due to an impending solar superstorm. In an interview with FOX Weather, he explained that despite the sun's calmness in the internet era, there's a 10% chance of a major event disrupting global internet.

     Becker likened this to the 1859 Carrington Event, where a solar storm interfered with power grids, satellites, and more. With the internet's delicate electronics and expected increased solar activity, concerns arise about a disruption lasting weeks to months. Reflecting on the Carrington Event's impact, Becker stressed potential damages costing the U.S. $10-$20 billion per day. As the sun becomes more active, NOAA's experts predict a peak between January and October 2024, increasing the risk of solar superstorms.

    To mitigate this, Becker collaborates with the Naval Research Laboratory for an early warning system, aiming to detect magnetic disruptions 18 to 24 hours in advance. This allows for precautionary measures like putting satellites in safe mode and disconnecting transformers to protect against potential damage, along with long-term strategies to fortify the internet.

News Source: https://www.chron.com/news/space/article/solar-storm-internet-18495912.php