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Last Post 3/27/2020 5:15 AM by  Mitzi Adams
Are solar storms dangerous
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3/26/2020 12:27 PM
    (from Answer Garden):

    Are solar storms dangerous?
    Tags: solar storms, danger

    Mitzi Adams



    Basic Member


    Posts:101
    Basic Member


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    3/27/2020 5:15 AM
    Hello,
    Mostly no, as long as you are on Earth, the Earth's magnetic field protects us. However, solar storms can cause currents to flow in the ground that can overwhelm electrical power stations, especially those in the more northerly or southerly latitudes (think Michigan). If their equipment is damaged, it can take up to a year for a fix. But the electric companies are aware of this problem, and do prepare for the possibility, which includes listening to solar scientists.

    Now, if you are travelling on an airplane in northerly or southerly latitudes, you can receive a higher dose of radiation, so airlines will change their course, which can be more expensive. If you are in space on the International Space Station, there is a "safe room" where astronauts will seek shelter until the storm passes. But even they are mostly protected by Earth's magnetic field. They just do not do space walks if there is a possibility of a solar storm. For our astronauts who will go to the Moon and Gateway, they have to be much more careful, as will those who journey to Mars, way outside the protection of Earth's magnetic field.
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