On a hot August night in 1859, the Northern Lights danced across the subtropical skies, a spectacle caused by the most intense solar storm in recorded history, the Carrington Event. This solar storm sent massive clouds of electrified gas and dust towards Earth, disrupting telecommunications and causing widespread damage. Today, our reliance on electricity and technology makes us even more vulnerable to such events. As we head towards the peak of the current solar cycle, the threat of another Carrington-like event, though relatively small, remains a serious concern for scientists and the public.
ArticleBody:On a hot and humid Florida night in late August 1859, the sky suddenly lit up. But it was not from fireflies or a fireswamp. Instead, it was the Northern Lights–or aurora borealis. The aurora is usually seen in far more northern latitudes, but it had somehow reached the subtropics and danced across the night sky. Reports of the aurora came in from as far south as Central America and some in the Rocky Mountains even believed it was morning because the sky was so bright.
’s Space Weather Prediction Center also tracks all of this activity and can be a good resource for determining where and when the aurora might be visible. This can give utility companies, satellite operators, and crew aboard the International Space Station some time to prepare their systems for impact. For the general public, there is not too much to do beyond charging up devices and making sure you have general emergency supplies like water, batteries, and flashlights..
Solar Storm Carrington Event Sunspots CME Space Weather
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Solar Cycle 25: Peeking into the Future of Solar ActivityThis article delves into the current state of Solar Cycle 25, highlighting its heightened activity and the implications for future solar events. It explores recent notable solar events like the 2024 total solar eclipse and geomagnetic storms, emphasizing the ongoing increase in solar activity. While the precise peak of Solar Cycle 25 remains uncertain, it's confirmed that its activity surpasses that of the previous cycle.
Read more »
Anker's Solix Solar Beach Umbrella harnesses Perovskite Solar TechAnker's new Solix Solar Beach Umbrella features a perovskite solar cell technology that promises higher efficiency and lower costs compared to traditional silicon-based cells. The umbrella can generate up to 100W of power, enough to keep Anker's Solix EverFrost 2 Electric Cooler running indefinitely in sunny conditions.
Read more »
Jackery’s Solar Roof announced alongside new solar generator at CES 2025Jackery’s Solar Roof features curved tiles in terra-cotta red or black with a 25 percent conversion efficiency, while its DC-DC car charger outputs 600W.
Read more »
Jackery Unveils Solar Roof Tiles, New Solar Generators at CES 2025Jackery is showcasing its latest innovations in home energy solutions and portable power at CES 2025.
Read more »
San Francisco Solar Company Aurora Solar Lays Off 58 WorkersAurora Solar, a San Francisco-based solar energy software company, has laid off 58 employees, marking the second round of job cuts in a year. The company cited 'ongoing macroeconomic challenges and continued uncertainty in the solar industry' as reasons for the layoffs. Aurora plans to refocus its business in response to the current market conditions.
Read more »
WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event Coincides with AEW’s Biggest Event of the YearPeacock has announced upcoming dates for WWE's Saturday Night's Main Event that could go head-to-head with two of AEW's biggest shows...
Read more »