. 24/7 Space News .
SOLAR SCIENCE
Researchers uncover additional evidence for massive solar storms
by Staff Writers
Lund, Sweden (SPX) Mar 12, 2019

illustration only

Our planet is constantly being bombarded by cosmic particles. However, at times the stream of particles is particularly strong when a solar storm sweeps past. Solar storms are made up of high-energy particles unleashed from the sun by explosions on the star's surface.

For the past 70 years, researchers have studied these solar storms by direct instrumental observations, which has led to an understanding of how they can pose a risk to the electrical grid, various communication systems, satellites and air traffic. Two examples of severe solar storms in modern times that caused extensive power cuts took place in Quebec, Canada, (1989) and Malmo, Sweden (2003).

Now, an increasing amount of research indicates that solar storms can be even more powerful than measurements have shown so far via direct observations.

The researchers behind the new, international study led by researchers from Lund University have used drilled samples of ice, or ice cores, to find clues about previous solar storms. The cores come from Greenland and contain ice formed over the past about 100 000 years. The material contains evidence of a very powerful solar storm that occurred in 660 BCE.

"If that solar storm had occurred today, it could have had severe effects on our high-tech society", says Raimund Muscheler, professor of geology at Lund University.

The new study means that a third known case of a massive solar storm dating back in time has been discovered via indirect observations in nature's own archive. Raimund Muscheler also took part in research that confirmed the existence of two other massive solar storms, using both ice cores and the annual growth rings of old trees. These storms took place in 775 and 994 CE.

Raimund Muscheler points out that, even though these massive solar storms are rare, the new discovery shows that they are a naturally recurring effect of solar activity.

"That's why we must increase society's protection again solar storms", he says.

Today's risk assessment is largely based on direct observations made over the past 70 years, but Raimund Muscheler suggests that there is a need for a reassessment in view of the three massive solar storms that have now been discovered. He argues that there is a need for greater awareness of the possibility of very strong solar storms and the vulnerability of our society.

"Our research suggests that the risks are currently underestimated. We need to be better prepared", concludes Raimund Muscheler.


Related Links
Lund University
Solar Science News at SpaceDaily


Thanks for being there;
We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain.

With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords.

Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year.

If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter
$5+ Billed Monthly


paypal only
SpaceDaily Contributor
$5 Billed Once


credit card or paypal


SOLAR SCIENCE
Cluster Spacecraft Reveal Insights into Earth's Natural Particle Accelerator
Kiruna, Sweden (SPX) Feb 28, 2019
A new study performed by the Swedish Institute of Space Physics in Uppsala, in collaboration with the University of Sheffield and other groups, uses data from the European Space Agency's Cluster spacecraft to reveal new insights into the inner workings of the bow shock when it becomes non-stationary and its structure starts to break down. The Sun continuously ejects a stream of charged particles travelling at supersonic speeds from 300 to over 1,000 km/s. When this "solar wind" plasma reaches Eart ... read more

Comment using your Disqus, Facebook, Google or Twitter login.



Share this article via these popular social media networks
del.icio.usdel.icio.us DiggDigg RedditReddit GoogleGoogle

SOLAR SCIENCE
ISS Multilateral Coordination Board Joint Statement

Stanford lab wants to make the environment of outer space work for us

Out of This World Auction Sponsored by ARISS

The science circling above us on the Space Station

SOLAR SCIENCE
XQ-58A Valkyrie demonstrator completes inaugural flight

X-60A hypersonic flight research vehicle program completes critical design review

SpaceX CEO Musk on Russia's Rocket Engineering, Engines: 'Excellent'

China's new solid rocket booster completes test

SOLAR SCIENCE
SWIM Project Maps Potential Sources of Mars Water

Major challenges to sending astronauts to search for life on Mars

Researchers outline goals for collecting and studying samples from Mars

Simulated extravehicular activity science operations for Mars exploration

SOLAR SCIENCE
China preparing for space station missions

China's lunar rover studies stones on moon's far side

China improves Long March-6 rocket for growing commercial launches

Seed of moon's first sprout: Chinese scientists' endeavor

SOLAR SCIENCE
ESA helps firms large and small prosper in global satcom market

Next-generation space industry jobs ready for take-off

How ESA helps launch bright ideas and new careers

ISRO to Launch Nearly 30 Satellites in March on New PSLV Rocket

SOLAR SCIENCE
DARPA seeks tools to capture underground worlds in 3D

French armed forces tap Thales for coastal surveillance radars

Matrix could ensure vital copper supplies

At the limits of detectability

SOLAR SCIENCE
SETI Institute: Agreement with Unistellar to Develop Citizen Science Network

K stars more likely to host habitable exoplanets

UK to tackle danger of solar wind and find new Earth-like planets

"Goldilocks" Stars May Be "Just Right" for Finding Habitable Worlds

SOLAR SCIENCE
Ultima Thule in 3D

SwRI-led New Horizons research indicates small Kuiper Belt objects are surprisingly rare

Astronomers Optimistic About Planet Nine's Existence

New Horizons Spacecraft Returns Its Sharpest Views of Ultima Thule









The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.