Solar Superstorm Could Cause Widespread Internet Outage, Experts Warn
In a scenario that seems straight out of a science fiction movie, experts are warning that a solar superstorm could potentially cause a widespread internet outage, plunging the world into an analog era. The possibility of an “internet apocalypse” has captured the imagination of social media users, leading to misinformation and speculation about the consequences of such an event.
While the concerns may seem far-fetched, experts say they are not entirely fiction. In the past, solar storms have caused significant disruptions to human infrastructure. The Carrington Event in 1859, for example, resulted in telegraph lines sparking, operators being electrocuted, and the northern lights appearing as far south as Jamaica. A solar storm in 1989 also took out the Quebec power grid for several hours.
As the sun enters a particularly active period known as the “solar maximum” in 2025, some experts worry that our interconnected world is not adequately prepared for the potential impact of a strong solar storm. Sangeetha Abdu Jyothi, a computer science professor at the University of California at Irvine, has been studying the resilience of the internet and warns that our infrastructure may not be able to withstand such an event.
Jyothi explains that a severe solar storm could affect large-scale infrastructure, such as submarine communication cables, which could interrupt long-distance connectivity. While local websites hosted on government servers may still be accessible, reaching larger websites with data stored in multiple locations could become impossible.
The economic impact of a single day of lost connectivity in the United States alone is estimated to be over $11 billion, according to internet watcher NetBlocks. Such outages could potentially last for months, depending on the scale of the storm and the time it takes to repair the damage.
Despite the potential consequences, Jyothi acknowledges that there is not much ordinary people can do to prepare for such an event. The responsibility falls on governments and companies to ensure the resilience of our internet infrastructure. However, she notes that the term “internet apocalypse” has garnered more attention than she anticipated and emphasizes that researchers have been warning about the potential impact on the power grid for a long time.
Recent discoveries from the Parker Solar Probe, a NASA device launched in 2018 to study the sun, have sparked online panic about the possibility of a solar storm. While the research did not specifically focus on solar storms, it provided valuable insights into the source of solar winds and the phenomenon of magnetic reconnection.
Stuart D. Bale, a physics professor at the University of California at Berkeley and a principal investigator for NASA working on the probe, explains that understanding magnetic reconnection on the sun can provide predictive power for space weather. Coronal mass ejections, which are expulsions of plasma and magnetic fields, can power damaging solar storms and are likely part of this mechanism.
While the idea of an “internet apocalypse” may instill panic, Bale suggests that it is essential to be prepared for such events. He acknowledges the reliance on technology but also highlights the importance of being self-sufficient and not solely dependent on mobile phones and the internet.
While the likelihood of a solar superstorm causing a widespread internet outage remains uncertain, experts agree that it is crucial to continue researching and preparing for such scenarios. As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, ensuring the resilience of our internet infrastructure becomes a vital priority.
How does the severity of a solar superstorm affect the ability to repair damaged infrastructure?
G on the severity of the storm and the ability to repair damaged infrastructure.
In addition to the economic impact, a solar superstorm could also disrupt essential services and communication networks. Emergency services, transportation systems, financial transactions, and even everyday activities such as shopping and entertainment could be severely affected. Without internet access, people may struggle to access critical information, communicate with loved ones, or even perform basic tasks.
To mitigate the potential risks, experts suggest improving the resilience of our infrastructure and implementing backup systems. This includes strengthening submarine communication cables, developing alternative methods of long-distance connectivity, and creating redundancies in data storage and retrieval systems. Additionally, raising awareness about the potential dangers of a solar superstorm and educating the public on preparedness measures can help minimize the impact of such an event.
While the possibility of a solar superstorm causing a widespread internet outage may still seem like a science fiction scenario, it is important to take the threat seriously. As our dependence on the internet continues to grow, so does the potential impact of any disruption. By addressing these concerns proactively, we can better protect our digital infrastructure and ensure its resilience in the face of potential solar storms.
This article sheds light on the alarming possibility of an internet apocalypse caused by a solar superstorm. It serves as a wake-up call, urging us to invest in appropriate precautions to safeguard our interconnected world from potential disruptions.