Trouble ahead (Image: NASA) Wreaking havoc
EVER think to check the space weather forecast? Power suppliers and the operators of oil pipelines and railroads might want to start.
Although it would take a truly massive space storm to cause a catastrophe, it is becoming clear that even modest solar activity poses a threat in our technology-dependent world. It makes railway signals go haywire and rusts oil pipelines to the point that they may leak, not to mention wearing down key components in power grids, which could drive up the cost of electricity.
If our planet happens to be in the…
