Who Cares About Politics? THE SUN IS EXPLODING! (kinda) | Space.com
The sun let loose its most powerful eruption in more than four years Monday night (Feb. 14), disrupting radio communications in China and generating concern around the world.
But it could have been a lot worse, experts say.
Despite its strength, Monday’s solar storm was a baby compared to several previous blasts, and it provides just a hint of what the sun is capable of. A true monster storm has the potential to wreak havoc on a global scale, knocking out communications systems, endangering satellites and astronauts and causing perhaps trillions of dollars in damages.
- The sun’s activity cycle is ramping up, so more storms will likely be coming our way over the next few years.
- The sun has grown more active over the last several months after rousing from a quiet period in its 11-year weather cycle last year.
