Cristopher
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Consequences of solar flare on earth?


Hi folks. I need your help in my thesis so that I make it close to a perfect thesis. While I was working on my thesis I had this very simple question in mind that- what will be the effect of solar flare on earth? Did a lot of research but found nothing substantial which could define the possible results of the given situation? It will be really helpful from your side to provide me with some of the possible scenarios like possibility of worldwide blackouts, temporary loss to communication, disruption in battery operated equipment etc. What are the other possibilities that could affect earth the worst way for the given situation?
6 months ago
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Arnab Roy | Nov 9 2011


Solar flare is a huge release of energy which can amount up to 6 x 1025 joules of energy. As we know that the flare ejects clouds of ions, electrons and atoms into space, which takes a couple of days to reach earth. Huge amounts of protons, electrons, heavier ions are accelerated nearly at the speed of light, causing radiation all across the electromagnetic spectrum.

The resulting X-rays and UV-radiation may affect the ionosphere of earth, disrupting long-range radio communications. Radar operations and other devices operating at decimetric frequencies may be disrupted.

The Solar proton event or CME( Coronal Mass Ejection) impacts earth`s magnetosphere and cause damage to astronauts, spacecrafts to varying degrees. Electrical power can be knocked off for a long period of time. Short-wave radio communication can also be damaged and affected to varying degrees.

Most scientists are also of the opinion that large solar flare can disrupt all electronic communication and equipment, which will be disrupting all electronic communication badly.

But no such solid evidence or experimental proof to such beliefs have been found yet.

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