A complex of events that includes both a geomagnetic storm and the powerful active phenomena on the Sun that caused it is sometimes called "The Carrington Event" or, following the English literature, "Solar superstorm"(eng. Solar Superstorm).
From August 28 to September 2, numerous sunspots and flares were observed on the Sun. Just after noon on September 1, British astronomer Richard Carrington observed the largest flare, which caused a large coronal mass ejection. It rushed towards the Earth and reached it in 18 hours, which is very fast, since this distance is usually covered by the ejection in 3-4 days. The ejection moved so quickly because previous ejections cleared the way for it.
On September 1-2, the largest geomagnetic storm in recorded history began, causing the failure of telegraph systems throughout Europe and North America. Northern lights have been observed throughout the world, even over the Caribbean; It is also interesting that over the Rocky Mountains they were so bright that the glow woke up gold miners, who began preparing breakfast, thinking it was morning. According to the first estimates, the Dst index of geomagnetic activity (English: Disturbance Storm Time Index) during the storm reached −1760 nT. Extrapolation of available measurements of the Dst index to the region of extreme storms shows that storms with Dst = −1760 nT occur on Earth no more than 1 storm every 500 years. However, it should be noted that in the scientific literature there are serious arguments that, due to methodological problems in analyzing data from a century and a half ago, the estimate of Dst = −1760 nT was overestimated, and the magnitude of the storm was no more than −900 nT.
see also
Notes
Video on the topic
Links
- A Super Solar Flare, Trudy E. Bell & Dr. Tony Phillips, May 6, 2008, Science@NASA
- Space storm alert: 90 seconds from catastrophe, New Scientist, March 23, 2009 by Michael Brooks, accessed March 28, 2009.
Solar superstorm of 1859 September 5th, 2015
156 years ago September 2 A giant solar coronal mass ejection hit the Earth's magnetic field. Hikers in the Rocky Mountains woke up in the middle of the night, thinking it was dawn. In fact, the horizon was illuminated by the brightest northern lights.
In Cuba, people read the morning newspapers under the reddish light of the polar lights. Charged particles bombarded the Earth so energetically that they changed the chemical composition of polar ice. The magnetic storm lasted the whole day. The "Victorian Internet" - the telegraph - was completely disabled. Magnetometers around the world recorded strong disturbances in the planet's magnetic field for more than a week. The reason for all this was an incredible solar flare, which was recorded by a British astronomer the day before. Richard Carrington.
In 1859, astronomer Richard Carrington, after whose name the incident was later nicknamed, discovered strange spots on the Sun. The huge darkening on its surface was of incredible size, and a few hours after discovery, they became visible to the naked eye.
After a short time, these spots turned into two huge balls, which even eclipsed the Sun for a while, and then disappeared. Carrington suggested that two huge solar flares, two mega explosions occurred on the surface of our star, and he was not mistaken.
After 17 hours, the night over America became day - it was light with green and crimson flashes of light. It seemed as if the cities were on fire. Even residents of Cuba, Jamaica, and the Hawaiian Islands, who had never seen anything like this before, observed the glow above their heads.
Throughout North America, electricity suddenly went out, all telegraph equipment burned out, and all other electrical appliances failed. The first magnetometers, of which there were only a few at that time, went off scale and then immediately failed. Sparks flew from the devices, stinging the telegraph operators and setting the paper on fire. The phenomenon of an autumn night back in 1859 forever remained in history as the first massive plasma impact and was called the Carrington event.
What if this happens in our time?
Solar flares occur due to the mixing of gases. Sometimes the luminary shoots them into space. Tens of billions of tons of hot plasma come off the surface. These cyclopean clumps rush towards the Earth at speeds of millions of kilometers per hour. Also accelerating along the way. The impact is absorbed by the planet's magnetic field.
Initially, people will be able to observe a light similar to the polar one, but many times brighter. Then all power systems and transformers will fail. The most vulnerable elements are transformers. They will quickly overheat and melt. Experts estimate that in the United States alone, 300 key transformers will burn out within 90 seconds of the impact. And more than 130 million people will be left without electricity.
No one will die, and the consequences of the solar attack will not appear immediately. But drinking water will stop flowing, gas stations will shut down, and oil and gas pipelines will stop functioning. Autonomous power systems in hospitals will work for three days, then stop. Cooling and food storage systems will fail. As a result, experts estimate that millions of people will die within a year due to the indirect consequences of economic paralysis.
A similar magnetic storm occurred in 1859. But then the industry had just begun to develop, and therefore the world did not suffer great losses. Humanity is more vulnerable now. Suffice it to recall the consequences of one of the weaker storms: in 1989, a modest solar storm plunged the Canadian province of Quebec into darkness, leaving 6 million people without electricity for 9 hours.
A plasma charge can lead to the worst consequences. But why will it take so many years to recover? NASA experts say that the whole point is in transformers: they cannot be repaired, they can only be replaced, and at the same time the factories where they are produced will be paralyzed. Therefore, the recovery process will be very slow.
"The consequences of a sudden solar storm are comparable to a nuclear war or the fall of a giant asteroid to Earth", - speaks Professor Daniel Baker, A space weather expert at the University of Colorado at Boulder and head of the NAS committee responsible for preparing the report.
"If an event similar to what happened in the fall of 1859 occurs, then we may not survive it", - speaks James L. Green, co-director of NASA and magnetosphere specialist.
"There's another danger, - speaks Daniel Baker, - so-called rolling blackouts. Energy networks across continents are interconnected. And the loss of even one node will entail a cascade of accidents. For example, in 2006, a banal shutdown of one of the power lines in Germany caused a series of damage to transformer substations throughout Europe. In France, five million people sat without power for two hours".
"Then in 1859, humanity was simply lucky because it had not reached a high technological level, - speaks James Green. - Now, if something like this happened, it would take at least ten years to restore the destroyed world infrastructure. And trillions of dollars".
By the way, the last time a flash of such force occurred on the Sun was just a few years ago -
"Railway Storm", May 13, 1921. On that day, astronomers noticed a huge sunspot with a radius of approximately 150 thousand kilometers. On May 15, a geomagnetic storm followed, which disabled half of the equipment of the New York Central Railroad and left almost the entire East Coast of the United States without communications.
Solar flares July 21, 2012. Active solar region 1520 released a huge X1.4-class flare towards Earth, causing auroras and severe disruptions in radio communications. Class X flares are the most powerful of all known in terms of X-ray intensity. They themselves usually do not reach the Earth, but their influence on the magnetic field cannot be underestimated.
The 1972 outbreak and Apollo 16. Traveling through space during maximum solar activity is extremely dangerous. In August 1972, the crew of Apollo 16 on the Moon narrowly escaped the effects of an X2 class flare. If the astronauts had been any less lucky, they would have received a radiation dose of 300 rem, which would almost certainly have killed them within a month.
Solar flare on Bastille Day. On July 14, 2000, satellites detected a powerful X5.7 class flare on the surface of the Sun. The ejection was so strong that even the Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft, located at the edge of the solar system, detected it. There were interruptions in radio communications throughout the Earth, and people flying over the poles of the planet received a dose of radiation - fortunately, a relatively small one.
The solar flare of August 9, 2011 marked the peak of the current solar cycle, reaching a magnitude of X6.9. It was the largest of the Cycle 24 emissions detected by NASA's new Solar Dynamics Observatory satellite. The flare ionized the Earth's upper atmosphere, causing interference in radio communications.
The largest outbreak of 2015 occurred on May 7. Its power reached “only” class X2.7, but this was enough to cause bright auroras and communication interruptions. And besides, there are beautiful photographs from observing satellites.
The solar flare on December 5, 2006 reached a record power of X9, but fortunately was not directed towards the Earth. Our planet, in principle, is a rather small “target”, with which humanity is very lucky. Two STEREO solar probes recently launched into orbit tracked the event from start to finish.
The geomagnetic storm of March 13, 1989 demonstrated how dangerous solar storms can become. The impact of the X15 outbreak has caused power outages for millions of Canadians in Montreal and the surrounding Quebec area. The electrical networks of the northern United States barely withstood the electromagnetic shock. All over the world, radio communications were interrupted and the aurora was spreading.
The Halloween flare of October 2003 was one of the most powerful X45 class solar storms ever recorded. It mostly missed Earth, but the coronal mass ejections damaged a number of satellites and caused interruptions in telephone and mobile communications.
Carrington's Superstorm. On September 1, 1859, astronomer Richard Carrington observed the brightest flare, the coronal ejection from which reached the Earth in only 18 hours. Telegraph networks failed throughout Europe and the United States, and some stations caught fire due to short circuits. That ejection wasn't the largest, around X10, but it hit the Earth at the perfect time and caused the most destruction.
The power of “solar storms” reaches billions of megatons of TNT—that’s how much energy our entire civilization could consume in a million years. Coronal mass ejections are mainly represented by electromagnetic radiation, which, when accurately hitting the Earth, causes geomagnetic storms. The consequences are interruptions in communication and failure of electronics. Considering that every year humanity relies more and more on technology, a strong geomagnetic storm can cause real chaos. Here are the 10 most powerful solar storms of the last two centuries.
Subscribe to the site
Guys, we put our soul into the site. Thank you for that
that you are discovering this beauty. Thanks for the inspiration and the goosebumps.
Join us on Facebook And In contact with
A person cannot imagine his life without sunlight and warmth. However, the Sun brings us more than just joy. Every 11 years, cataclysms occur on it, which have a significant impact on our existence. What are the most powerful flares that have been recorded on the Sun over the entire period of observation, and how are they dangerous for humanity?
The Greatest Storm of 1859
The Great Storm or Solar Superstorm was called the most powerful flare, happened in 1859. From the end of August to September 2, a sharp formation and disappearance of spots and flashes was observed on the Sun. Modern scientists have already established that these phenomena were accompanied by large-scale coronal ejections.
The largest burst of solar matter was noted on September 1 by scientist R. Carrington. The ejection caused phenomenal events on Earth. Telegraph lines went out of use all over the planet, people were left without communication, and the brightest “Northern Lights” blazed in the atmosphere.
Scientists say it was the strongest geomagnetic storm ever studied. The power of the solar vortex and the incredible speed with which stellar particles reached the Earth are explained by the fact that in the previous 2-3 days coronal ejections “paved a direct path” from the Sun to the planet.
Solar Storm of 774
But according to some researchers, the outbreak of 1859 cannot occupy a leading place in its strength and speed of magnetic storms. There is an assumption that it is inferior to a more powerful solar storm that occurred in 774 and had a significant negative impact on the planet.
Scientists tested the growth rings of old trees for the presence of radioactive carbon-14 and concluded that in 774 the sun actually emitted an impressive volume of charged particles. The force of the ejection was almost 20 times greater than the Superstorm of 1859. However, its intensity was much lower than expected and could not result in a planetary catastrophe.
Railway storm of 1921
On May 13, 1921, a huge spot was noticed on the solar sphere. Its diameter was approximately 300 thousand kilometers. And 2 days later, a geomagnetic storm occurred, blocking the operation of half of the technical equipment of the main New York railroad. Almost the entire Eastern part of the United States became without communications.
Solar storm 1972
On July 27, 1972, astronomers noted a large center of activity rising from the eastern edge of the Sun. Auroras and ejections began on the limb, the brightness of the corona increased, and the flux of radio emission increased. The first strong flare with a powerful range was recorded on August 2.
On August 4, there was a second surge in activity. After some time, the satellites recorded impressive fluxes of protons, which indicated a sharp acceleration of solar particles. The second outbreak had an impressive impact on processes in the upper layers of the earth's atmosphere.
The third outbreak occurred on August 7. It was the most powerful in the visible range, but its impact was less compared to the previous burst.
It must be said that large solar disturbances are very dangerous for astronauts. During the storm of 1972, the Apollo 16 spacecraft was operating in low-Earth orbit. The astronauts were only slightly spared the impact of the X2-level flare. If it weren’t for luck, they would have been exposed to high radiation of three hundred rem, from which they would have died in a maximum of 3-4 weeks.
Solar storm 1989
On March 13, a geomagnetic storm of level X15 occurred, which clearly showed the danger that solar unrest poses. Its result was the loss of power to a mass of Canadian houses located in Montreal and on the outskirts of Quebec.
The power grids of the northern states of the United States had difficulty resisting electromagnetic pressure. The consequences of the storm were felt by the whole world. The inhabitants of the planet could admire the unprecedented beauty of the Northern Lights.
During this period, radio communication between the USSR and the USA was blocked, and flashes of the northern lights were visible even over the Crimean sky. The planet's deformed field destroyed one of the nuclear power plant installations in New Jersey.
Solar storm on Bastille Day
On July 14, 2000, the 211th anniversary of the capture of the Bastille, another solar storm was recorded, called the “Bastille Day” flare. Even the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 spacecraft, installed at a great distance from the Sun, were able to detect the strength of solar activity.
The consequences of this surge were felt in every corner of the Earth. There were problems with radio communication. Passengers on planes that flew over the poles were exposed to radiation. Fortunately, its level was relatively small and did not play a detrimental role.
Halloween Flash
October 2003 was marked by one of the strongest solar storms at level X45. Scientists were unable to accurately measure its power - the equipment of orbital telescopes could not withstand such a load and was “late” by more than 10 minutes.
Most of the solar flux passed without touching the surface of the planet. But a number of satellites were damaged by coronal ejections, which resulted in interruptions in cellular and telephone communications.
2005 outbreak
In September 2005, three cases of solar activity were noted: on September 7, 8 and 9. The outbreak on September 7 was the fourth most intense of those studied by science. According to official data, the electromagnetic impact on circumplanetary space has reached a maximum intensity of R5.
On September 9, at the very peak of solar intensity, a record number of suicides occurred in Moscow - 10 people per day. Experts believe that the mass loss of life was also caused by a solar storm.
Solar storm 2006
On December 5, 2006, a solar burst of X9 peak power was recorded. Fortunately, its flow was directed in the direction opposite to the Earth. This is evidenced by data from two STEREO devices installed in orbit to study stellar activity.
Solar unrest of 2011
On August 9, 2011, a solar storm occurred, which became the peak of the last solar revolution. Her level was X6.9. This burst was called the leader of cycle 24. It was recorded by one of NASA’s satellites, which was the property of an observatory for the study of stellar activity. The flow particles affected the upper layers of the earth's atmosphere, which led to problems in radio communications.
2012 outbreak
This year, on July 21, serious problems with radio communications occurred on Earth. Many inhabitants of the planet could admire the unusually bright auroras. All these events were caused by a giant flare of X1.4 level, which was released towards the Earth by the dynamic solar region 1520.
2015 solar unrest
On May 7, 2015, another massive outbreak occurred. Its activity was equal to the level of X2.7. Many will think that this is quite a bit. But even this indicator is enough to disrupt communications and cause the brightest polar flashes. In addition, we can now admire beautiful photographs taken from near-Earth satellites.
Solar Storm 2017
September 6, 2017 was marked by the most intense solar storm in the last 12 years. The flare was classified as level X9.3, indicating the highest strength. The second powerful surge was recorded on September 7, and the third on September 8.
The final outbreak of unprecedented force occurred on September 10. The luminary “spitted out” a huge mass of plasma into outer space. Scientists say the flares on September 6 and 10 are among the strongest the Sun can produce.
Causes and consequences of solar disturbances
Solar storms are caused by a surge of energy in the star's atmosphere. The formation of the strongest storms depends on the magnetic fields of the star. Solar flares are called cataclysmic phenomena that form on the surface of a star.
The formation of solar storms occurs in several stages:
- Breakage of magnetic lines of force and their connection into a new structure;
- Release of countless amounts of energy;
- Overheating of the solar system;
- Acceleration of charged elements to superluminal speeds.
The division of flares into groups is carried out depending on the level of X-ray radiation. The degree of intensity is indicated by numbers from 1.0 to 9.9 for the letters A to X. Class X flares are considered the most powerful of all those studied in terms of X-ray intensity. In most cases, they do not reach the planet, but have a significant impact on its magnetic field.
The energy released by superflares can be compared to the explosions of trillions of megaton atomic bombs. They are often accompanied by coronal mass ejections. This is the name given to trillions of tons of matter moving at a speed of several hundred km/s. Having reached our planet, they come into contact with its magnetosphere, causing failures of technical devices.
Layers of solar energy reach the Earth at different speeds:
- X-ray radiation in 8 minutes;
- Heavy elements in a few hours;
- Plasma clouds from coronal ejections for 2-3 days.
Geomagnetic fluctuations have a significant impact not only on radio electronics, but also on human health. Disruptions in the Earth’s magnetic field are manifested by unexpected headaches, surges in blood pressure, and exacerbation of chronic ailments. At this time, the number of suicides increases 5 times, strokes and heart attacks increase by 15%.
Fortunately, the human body is characterized not only by increased sensitivity, but also by rapid adaptation to repeated phenomena. Solar flares occur with a certain periodicity, but we only feel the strongest ones.
Video
MOSCOW, December 26 – RIA Novosti. A superflare on the Sun in 774 AD turned out to be several times more powerful than the previous record holder, the “Carrington event” of 1859, capable of destroying all electronic devices and electrical networks on Earth, astronomers say in an article posted in the Cornell University digital library.
The Sun periodically experiences flares—explosive episodes of energy release in the form of visible light, heat, and X-rays. The most powerful outbreak is believed to have occurred in 1859 during the so-called “Carrington event.” During this powerful explosion, approximately 10 yottojoules (10 to the 25th power) of energy were released, which is 20 times more energy than the energy released during the meteorite fall that destroyed dinosaurs and marine reptiles.
Adrian Melott from the University of Kansas in Lawrence (USA) and his colleague Brian Thomas from Washburn University in Topeka (USA) studied a “super flare” on the Sun in the 8th century AD, traces of which were recently found in growth rings of Japanese cedars.
As noted by the researchers who discovered the ancient flare, Japanese physicists led by Fusa Miyake from Nagoya University (Japan), considered it a so-called “super flare”, the power of which exceeded all known bursts of solar activity by several orders of magnitude.
Some astronomers have doubted this scenario. In their opinion, this outbreak cannot be explained by an unusually strong ejection of plasma on the Sun, and its cause lies in other cosmic or natural disasters.
Melott and Thomas tested both hypotheses by trying to calculate the exact amount of energy that could have been released during the superflare in 774.
To do this, scientists calculated the proportion of radioactive carbon-14 in the growth rings of cedars, and determined the amount of energy that was brought to Earth by the outbreak. Astronomers then tried to calculate the energy of the ejection on the Sun itself by varying the area of the flare and the fraction of its matter that reached our planet.
It turned out that the power of the flare was two orders of magnitude lower than the maximum values predicted by their colleagues. However, this does not deprive the 774 event of its status as a “superflare”. According to the researchers' calculations, during the 774 burst, the Sun released about 200 yottojoules (2 * 10 to the 26th power) of energy, which is 20 times more powerful than the Carrington event.
A similar cataclysm today would lead not only to the destruction of electronics on board satellites and the surface of the Earth, but also to the appearance of other anomalies. Thus, the proportion of ozone at the boundaries of the stratosphere and troposphere would decrease by 20% in the first months after the outbreak, and would remain low for several years.
According to Melott and Thomas, this would lead to deterioration in the health of plants and animals around the world, and an increase in the incidence of skin cancer. However, mass extinction of flora and fauna is unlikely, which adds another argument in favor of the realism of such outbreaks.
According to the authors of the article, such “superflares” can occur once every 1250 years, which emphasizes the importance of observing the “health” of the Sun, given their catastrophic consequences for the infrastructure of modern civilization.
