We just got hit with another CME from the sun. It wasn’t too strong, but the earth’s magnetic field is weak right now. That causes the impact to be stronger than it normally would. There were some electrical fires related to the solar storm. My information indicates that it was only 5 to 10% of the strength needed to end civilizations.
The end of electrical devices and electronics would definitely squash our civilization. Some parts of the world would do better than others. Mostly that would be “backwards” areas of our planet -places that haven’t changed much in hundreds of years. If you haven’t climbed too far the fall won’t hurt you much.
I think of places like Dubai or Phoenix. Without modern technology the land can only support a tiny fraction of their populations. They are extreme examples but most places would suffer huge population losses.
When you think about it this planet can be a precarious place to run an advanced civilization. At least we are aware of the danger. There are things that can be done to lessen the impact. Plans to protect the grid and modern infrastructure exist, but getting it in place has been haphazard. It’s hard to spend money on an invisible threat.
On an individual basis all you can do is prepare with the basics of water, food, shelter and security.
About that security issue. After a CME the vast majority of firearms will still function. Guess what happens when you don’t have the basics of survival yet have a gun and ammo? That could be interesting and I hope we never get to see that sort itself out.
On a side note I’m a little miffed that we’ve had cloudy weather every night when there are northern lights. If we are going to have a CME I’d at least like to have a good view of the pretty lights.
-Sixbears
My sister is flying out from Idaho today. Wants to watch a rocket launch, which one is scheduled for tomorrow evening...lol it's supposed to be rainy and cloudy all week long.
ReplyDeleteJust goes to show , that if you live life by a schedule, you're bound to get disappointed.
I was lucky enough to catch one of the last shuttle launches and it was worth the trip.
DeleteHave a good visit with your sister.
Welp , the launch got scrubbed for yesterday. A disturbance in the Sunshine states atmosphere , dumped six , yes six inches of hail yesterday afternoon !!
DeleteLike it was the hail apocalypse !
That is like a never , ever happens here event ya know ?
Anywho , the Falcon heavy is scheduled for today at 7:30 pm. Forecast says more afternoon thunder storms....
Rain, rain go away... and put some tin foil on your umbrella. 80)
ReplyDeleteIxnay on the tin foil , there was major lightening mixed in with 70mph gusts with that hail.
DeleteNasty weather. WTF? Six inches of hail?
DeleteYeah and I was sitting in my truck , facing the wind . Waiting to guide my sister to the house.
DeleteThought for sure my windshield was going to bust. As it was golfball size and under.
It was funny watching the traffic driving on all that ice.