Could the Sun Destroy Earth’s Communication and Energy Systems?

It lights up our days, keeps us warm and even powers the legions of solar energy panels across the globe. But as well as playing a pivotal role in keeping us alive, the latest scientific research also suggests that the sun could be the downfall of our communication and energy systems. A recent study from the University of Warwick suggests that the sun could start to unleash huge super flares with power that matches the force of a billion one megaton nuclear bombs. If this prediction comes to light it would categorically destroy the world’s communication and energy systems.

Scientists stress over the sun

So what’s got scientists so worried? The prediction comes in the wake of a super flare sighting that erupted from another star. The luminous sphere of plasma (aka binary star KIC9655129) is uncannily similar to the sun, which prompted scientists to consider what would happen if the sun itself started to spew super flares. After carefully studying the composition of both the sun and binary star KIC9655129, the team was able to confirm that the possibility of solar flares is a genuine possibility.

While flares and other solar weather conditions have been known to affect communication systems in the past, colossal outbursts from the sun would release mammoth radiation explosions.

Lead scientist Chloe Pugh explains, "If the Sun were to produce a super flare it would be disastrous for life on Earth; our GPS and radio communication systems could be severely disrupted and there could be large-scale power blackouts as a result of strong electrical currents being induced in power grids."

Co-author Dr Anne-Marie Broomhall adds, "This result is ... an indication that the same physical processes are involved in both solar flares and stellar super flares. The latter finding supports the hypothesis that the Sun is able to produce a potentially devastating super flare."

Lucky for us earthlings, the chances of super flares from the sun are low. Based on previous observations of solar activity, Pugh maintains that “The conditions needed for a super flare are extremely unlikely to occur.”

Let there be light

Want to know more about earth’s intrinsic reliance on the sun? ‘Bright Lights, Big Science The physical phenomenon that has helped to shape human history and open up our world’ explores the story of light, and the fundamental role it plays in shaping life as we know it.  From bacteria and plants to human beings, it’s the foundation of our existence.

Image via Flickr Creative Commons. Credits: dan.kristiansen