George Mason University professor warns of potential 'Internet apocalypse' due to solar storms
A day without internet access is unthinkable for many of us. It isn't simply about visiting websites or accessing social media. Technology that relies on internet connectivity permeates every corner of our lives. It's not hard to envisage the chaos stemming from a prolonged internet outage.
Yet, this is a reality we may be forced to confront. Peter Becker from George Mason University warns that the Sun's increased activity is setting the stage for high-risk magnetic storms. Based on his analysis, such a storm could manifest this year which could potentially wreak havoc on the Internet infrastructure, leading to network access cuts which could last from several weeks to even months.
Increased solar activity can put our dependence on the Internet at risk— said the scientist.
Professor Becker's forecast is grounded in observing solar flares. Initial signs of such a flare include the Sun brightening up, followed by a coronal mass ejection. Although this phenomenon can occur in multiple directions and usually doesn't endanger our planet, the increasing occurrence of flares makes it more likely that one could pose a threat to our magnetosphere, with the Internet infrastructure at risk.
Are we on the brink of an "internet apocalypse"?
Earth has experienced formidable electromagnetic storms in the past. For instance, one such storm occurred during the initial days of September 1859, resulting not just in a spectacular worldwide aurora, but also significant disruptions of telegraph networks throughout Europe and North America. Some instances even involved telegraph paper igniting.
A similarly potent electromagnetic storm in today's times would be far more devastating. Such a storm would decimate telecommunications and satellite networks, leaving us without internet access. Power supplies would also be disrupted.
We're looking at a scenario that could genuinely criple the system for several weeks or even months, given the time required to repair all the infrastructure— Becker avows.
Becker estimates the probability of a potent magnetic storm hitting Earth this year as around 10 percent.
