According to NASA, the sun is beginning to cycle into a period of increased solar activity that will result in the planet earth being struck by massive solar flares in 2012. These flares are estimated at being anywhere from 30 50% more powerful than any we have ever encountered. Under normal circumstances, the Magnetosphere that surrounds the planet and shields us from the effects of cosmic rays such as these would offer enough protection to offset most of the damage this type of event could cause. However, it has been discovered that there is a chink in the armor and our magnetic field has somehow acquired a large hole that will allow any solar flare in 2012 to cause severe damage.
If we are struck by a solar storm of this magnitude, the results could be catastrophic. To give some perspective, a large solar flare struck us back in the late 1800's, causing telegraph wires to sizzle and smoke. We were still pretty low-tech at that time and were just beginning to understand how to apply the theories of electricity to various aspects of our lives. This time around, we may not be so lucky. We have advanced to a point where we rely on electricity for almost everything. From something as minor as running a can opener to major applications such as powering computers and equipment that modern medicine uses for saving lives, we're even beginning to use it to help power hybrid vehicles.
It is a well known fact that the power grid currently supplying our country needs an overhaul. It also needs to have better safeguards in place prior to being hit by solar flares in 2012. A solar storm such as the one NASA is predicting could effectively destroy the grid, along with any hope of us returning to our normal lives in a short time span. If it goes, we are looking at months, years, perhaps even decades before power is restored.
This is not to mention some of the other possibilities. Because of the increase in heat and radiation, the planet could be scorched, causing drought and crop failure, as well as raising ocean temperatures, this could create more tropical storms that result in hurricanes of ever-increasing size and strength. Alarmist views such as these are not my strong point, but the ecological balance of our planet is exactly that a balance. When that balance is disrupted, nature takes control to try and restore the balance, often with devastating effects to the population. Oh yeah, one more thing we might want to consider stocking up on sunblock.
Would you like help in preparing for solar flares in 2012? Visit us at : /2012.html for more information.
0
