How solar storms that cause the Northern Lights have the power to wreak havoc on Earth
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Space technology (ISRO, missions)· Prelims·
Why in news
Airbus grounded over 6,000 planes in October after intense solar radiation caused a sudden altitude drop, leading to an emergency airworthiness directive (EAD).
Background
The UK government's National Risk Register identifies space weather as a hazard to electricity grids and satellites. The article distinguishes between Carrington-class events (most intense recorded) and potentially larger Miyake events.
Facts for Prelims
- FactAirbus grounded over 6,000 planes in October due to solar radiation interference.
- BodyNational Risk Register: A UK government publication listing space weather as a serious hazard.
- S&TCarrington-class event: The most intense geomagnetic storm in recorded history.
- S&TMiyake events: Potential geomagnetic events larger than Carrington-class events.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the vulnerabilities of modern critical infrastructure to space weather and suggest measures to mitigate the risks posed by extreme geomagnetic storms.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Grid vulnerability: Potential for cascading failures in high-voltage electricity transmission networks
- Satellite integrity: Risk of orbital hardware damage and communication blackouts affecting GPS and telecommunications
- Aviation safety: Requirement for robust shielding and software redundancy against solar radiation interference
Keywords: Space Weather · Geomagnetic Storms · Critical Infrastructure · Airworthiness Directive · Solar Radiation
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.