Solar Storm Preparedness
A major solar flare could cripple power grids, satellites and communications for weeks. Learn what solar storms are and how to prepare for one.
A solar flare is a sudden burst of energy from the surface of the sun. It often comes with a coronal mass ejection, which is a cloud of charged particles. When one is aimed at earth, the geomagnetic storm that follows can induce strong currents in the power grid. Satellites, GPS and radio communications can also fail. The storm of 1859 set telegraph systems sparking, and we treat a repeat on today's grid as a real risk to plan around.
The danger is to infrastructure, not to your body. Large grid transformers are expensive, built to order and slow to replace. A severe storm could mean an outage lasting weeks rather than hours. That matters to every family that relies on the grid for water, fuel, refrigeration and news.
Solar Flare Guides for Your Family
- Readiness: Our guide to solar flare preparedness covers getting your household ready for a long loss of power.
- Timing: Solar Cycle 25 is the sun's current cycle of activity, and its guide explains what that cycle means for your plans.
- Electronics: An EMP is a close cousin of the solar storm threat, and its guide covers protecting your family and your gear.
- History: The question has an EMP ever happened gets its answer in three real events on the record.
Space weather agencies watch the sun and issue warnings when a major flare is detected. The notice is short, so these guides help you put your preparedness in place before any alert arrives.
