Solar storms in Earth’s memory
A rare and extremely intense solar storm, known as a Miyake event, leaves a lasting impact on Earth’s trees and ice and can severely damage communication infrastructure, posing major challenges to modern-day humanity
From time to time, meteorologists alert us during news broadcasts about rare solar storms, which may include jet eruptions. They often reassure us that these phenomena are distant from Earth. However, there is no safe haven: some solar storms are of such magnitude that trees and water bear their marks for years and even ages.
Some of these exceptional events are known as “Miyake events,” named after the young Japanese physicist Fusa Miyake, who defined them scientifically not long ago, in 2012, at the end of her doctoral studies. If such an event were to occur today, it could have severe consequences for our communication systems, affecting everything from smartphones to satellites.
Particle Barrage
How do Miyake events differ from other solar storms? Primarily in their intensity and impact on Earth.
A typical solar storm, or a Solar Particle Event (SPE) in scientific terminology, is characterized by the emission of charged particles, typically protons or helium nuclei. Accelerated to very high speeds by the solar atmosphere, these particles travel toward planets. Occasionally, these storms affect satellites beyond Earth’s atmosphere, with the particle flux hitting the satellites and causing communication disruptions.
