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Inspired by the Historic Carrington Event, the European Experiment Simulated an X45 Class Solar Storm to Assess the Devastating Effects on Vital Systems of Earth
An unprecedented simulation by the ESA (European Space Agency) showed what could happen to Earth in the event of a super solar storm. The experiment recreated conditions similar to the Carrington Event that occurred in 1859 and revealed a chaotic scenario, with a total collapse of communication systems and electricity worldwide.
Super Solar Storm: Extreme Test Inspired by the Carrington Event
European researchers decided to recreate the most intense solar storm ever recorded to understand how humanity would react to a phenomenon of this scale.
The team of specialists from the ESA in Darmstadt, Germany, used the model of the Carrington Event as the basis for the simulation, as during that time the world’s telegraphs stopped functioning.
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The scientific exercise is part of the preparations for the launch of the Sentinel-1D satellite, scheduled for November 4.
The objective was to test the response capacity of a private space team in any type of satellite navigation.
The simulation utilized an X45 class storm, the highest on the scale used to measure the power of solar eruptions.
According to the ESA, a solar explosion of this level would take only eight minutes to reach Earth, traveling at the speed of light.
The Collapse of Communications and Energy
The first impact would be on communications. Radar and tracking systems would immediately fail, leaving GPS and other location instruments inoperable.
From this point, the simulation showed that auroras would spread to unusual latitudes, reaching as far south as Sicily in Italy.
At the same time, the electrical grid would suffer severe damage. The overload caused by the electromagnetic flow would result in large-scale blackouts.
The sudden increase in radiation would damage electronic components and reduce the lifespan of sensitive equipment.
The scenario would worsen as satellites would be directly affected. The ESA’s space weather modeling coordinator, Jorge Amaya, explained that no spacecraft would be safe.
Even satellites in low orbits, more protected by Earth’s magnetic field, would be affected. “A solar explosion of the magnitude of the Carrington Event would leave no spacecraft secure,” he stated.
Lessons and Importance of Simulating a Super Solar Storm
The researchers highlighted that the test was not just a theoretical exercise. It provides essential data to prepare emergency protocols and strengthen the security of global communications and the electrical grid.
According to Amaya, “simulating the impact of such an event is similar to predicting the effects of a pandemic: we will only feel its real impact after the event, but we need to be prepared and have plans to react immediately.”
The ESA believes that the results will improve Europe’s space weather services and strengthen solar weather monitoring.
The Sun Is Becoming More Active
In recent years, solar activity has been consistently increasing. NASA has identified a gradual intensification following the historic minimum recorded in 2008.
This process results in phenomena such as coronal mass ejections and solar storms, capable of directly affecting space and Earth.
In May 2024, a solar storm considered the strongest in over two decades caused auroras in various regions of Europe and Oceania.
Currently, we are experiencing Solar Cycle 25, which began in 2020, and scientists estimate that the next one — Cycle 26, between 2029 and 2032 — could be even more intense.
With information from Tilt.UOL.
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