(April 21) - A massive solar storm could be catastrophic for the United States and other countries, scientists warn.
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Such a storm could knock out power nationwide, ABCNews.com reported, leading to a nightmarish scenario that could include failures of transportation, communication and financial systems; shutdowns of government services; and a lack of safe drinking water, food and medication.
Solar storms form when intense bursts of plasma erupt from the surface of the sun, creating what's called a coronal mass ejection (CME). These eruptions can produce electromagnetic interference that wreaks havoc with electricity-dependent technology on Earth.
Although the probability of a worst-case scenario solar storm event is low, researchers say that our increasing reliance on technology makes it crucial to be prepared for such a calamity.
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The Sun
How big in diameter is the sun?
- 1.75 million miles
- 875,000 miles
- 425,000 miles
How long does it take light to travel from the sun to Earth?
- 8 hours
- 8 minutes
- 8 seconds
How hot is the sun's surface?
- 150,000 degrees
- 50,000 degrees
- 10,000 degrees
In Greek mythology, which deity was considered the sun god?
- Apollo
- Dionysus
- Zeus
People are warned that too much sun exposure can cause cancer. But the sun is also the primary source for an important nutrient. What is it?
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
"The consequences could be extreme," Roberta Balstad, a research scientist with Columbia University's Center for Research on Environmental Decisions, told ABCNews.com.
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In 1859, a powerful solar storm fried telegraph systems around the world. Another one caused a blackout in Quebec, Canada, 20 years ago.
Michael Kaiser, project scientist for NASA's Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO) mission, told ABCNews.com that even if a big solar storm were to hit the nation, power grid operators could minimize the damage if they had enough of a warning.
Kaiser said he and his colleagues are working to refine their ability to better predict solar storms before they happen. "We're getting smarter now," he added.
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Amazing Space Images
This image taken by NASA with an infrared telescope in Hawaii shows a large impact on Jupiter's south polar region early Monday. Astronomers say Jupiter was apparently struck by an object, possibly a comet. It happened on the 15th anniversary of another comet strike.
JPL / NASA / AP
JPL / NASA / AP
