G3 storms occur approximately 200 times per one solar cycle. Voltage corrections may be required and false alarms triggered on some protection devices, under G3 conditions. Surface charging may occur on satellite components, drag may increase on low-Earth-orbit satellites, and corrections may be needed for orientation problems. Intermittent satellite navigation and low-frequency radio navigation problems may occur, HF radio may be intermittent, and aurora has been seen as low as Illinois and Oregon (typically 50° geomagnetic lat.).
Good thing the old Earth has a magnetosphere.
Good thing the old Earth has a magnetosphere.
Someday we're going to get hit with another Carrington event.
ReplyDeleteWe'll at least know it's coming, but I very much doubt that we will be anything like prepared, and there is little that can be done in the hours of foreknowledge.
We have a lot more now to worry about than a few telegraph lines.