Regional Forecast Model can send warning of imminent solar storm; New WS tool can detect where it will attack
At long last, technology is at its fastest track not only to inform but also to warn of possible dangers coming from outside the earth. It is common knowledge that the solar system is a very complicated but beautiful creation by God and orbiting in it are just as powerful as the earth itself.
Each component, like the sun, the asteroids and other planets would likewise emit its own energy to preserve itself or just simply a natural phenomenon. In the case of solar flares, it varies on its strength and distance from the earth.
Observatories have already documented many incidents that these have caused damage to earth. But the question still remains. Up to what extent can people be informed to be saved?
On Oct 1, a recent tool was developed by researchers from the University of Michigan and Rice University in order to track where these solar storms and tell where it is heading, as per a recent report of SpaceDaily.
Before a solar storm has caused so much damage to communication satellites, power grids and transformers, this situation can even pose a threat to a nation's security. One example of which is the "Carrington event" in September 1859, wherein telegraph wires were damaged up to the extent of blazing papers.
Good thing though that in those times, there were not any transformers to burst and demands of electricity. Usually, this phenomenon of solar storms hitting the planet will destroy everything mankind need now in their everyday lives. All the more if the damage will leave a power outage for a long time.
It is definitely one of the most important tools for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center, which in using this new geospace forecast mode. It "can give utilities up to 45 minutes of warning of severe solar activity", wrote Popular Science.
With the images captured by satellite DSCOVR, this forecast model can interpret the strength of the magnetic field of a solar storm.Now with this, regional operators of power grids and transformers will be forewarned of an impending danger of a magnetic attraction from the solar storm and from the Earth's own.
Hopefully, technology will be used to improve life on earth and provide safety to all mankind. Obviously, researchers and scientists are not stopping in innovating tools for this thus professionals are encouraging them to provide more and to refine their models.
