California (Web Desk) — Scientists have warned that solar storms and extreme space weather could be far more dangerous than previously estimated, posing a serious threat to global technology, communication systems, and critical infrastructure in the future.
According to experts, space weather is caused by changes in Earth’s magnetic field and its upper atmosphere. In the past, it was believed that Earth’s magnetic field could effectively shield the planet from the effects of severe solar storms up to a certain limit, but new research has challenged that assumption.
The study found that a fundamental error in scientific estimates of the strength of solar winds led researchers to overestimate the protective capability of Earth’s natural magnetic shield. The new findings suggest that extreme space weather could have much more severe effects on satellites, GPS services, communication networks, and power infrastructure than previously thought.
According to the study’s lead researcher, Maria Wåhlin, Earth’s magnetic field normally protects the planet from most space weather effects, which is why such events usually result only in minor technical disruptions or the appearance of auroras. However, during exceptionally powerful solar storms, satellite orbits can be disrupted, causing them to descend toward Earth more rapidly, while communication systems and GPS signals may also experience severe interference.