A Carrington Event is a massive solar storm that can cause widespread power outages and damage to electrical infrastructure.
Things that you could expect will not work after a modern day Carrington event:
1. Electrical Grid: The primary impact of a Carrington event would be the severe disruption of the electrical grid. Power generation and distribution systems would fail, causing widespread power outages.
2. Communication Systems: Communication systems that rely on electricity, such as phone lines and internet connections, would be severely affected. This would limit the ability to communicate over long distances.
3. Transportation Networks: Transportation networks heavily rely on electricity for various functions, such as fuel pumps, traffic lights, and railway signaling systems. Without electricity, transportation systems would face significant challenges.
4. Banking and Financial Systems: Modern banking systems heavily rely on electronic transactions and data storage. A Carrington event could disrupt these systems, impacting access to funds, electronic payments, and financial records.
5. Healthcare Facilities: Many healthcare facilities rely on electricity for life-support systems, medical equipment, and laboratory testing. Without power, their ability to provide medical services would be greatly compromised.
6. Water and Sewage Systems: Water treatment and sewage systems require electricity to function properly. A Carrington event could lead to a lack of access to clean water and sewage backups.
7. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems: HVAC systems, which provide climate control in buildings, depend on electrical power. Loss of electricity would result in uncomfortable temperatures and air quality issues.
8. Manufacturing and Industrial Processes: Most industrial processes use electricity, and a Carrington event could lead to the shutdown of manufacturing facilities, slowing down production and disrupting supply chains.
9. GPS Navigation: Global Positioning System (GPS) relies on satellite signals to determine precise locations. A Carrington event could disrupt these signals, causing problems for navigation systems and location-based services.
10. Space Technology: Satellites play a crucial role in various fields, including weather forecasting, communication, and navigation. A modern Carrington event could cause significant damage to satellites and disrupt space-based technologies.
Things that will work after a modern day Carrington event:
1. Non-electric Tertiary Infrastructure: Some infrastructure that doesn’t rely heavily on electricity, such as roads, bridges, and buildings, would continue to function.
2. Non-electric Vehicles: Vehicles that don’t rely on electricity, such as bicycles, motorcycles, and non-electric cars with mechanical ignition systems, would still be functional.
3. Traditional Agricultural Practices: Farming methods that don’t heavily rely on electrical machinery and technology, such as manual labor or animal-powered tools, could continue to work.
4. Non-electric Cooking: Cooking methods that do not require electricity, such as gas stoves or wood-fired ovens, would still be available for food preparation.
5. Non-electric Lighting: Lighting methods that don’t rely on electricity, such as candles, oil lamps, or solar-powered lights, would still provide illumination.
6. Manual and Analog Tools: Various manual and analog tools, such as hand tools, analog clocks, compasses, and maps, would still be functional for basic tasks.
7. Natural Energy Sources: Renewable energy sources like solar power or wind power, which don’t rely on the electrical grid, could still be utilized.
8. Localized Power Generation: Small-scale power generation methods, such as diesel or gas-powered generators, could provide limited energy for localized purposes.
9. Pre-electricity Knowledge and Skills: Traditional, pre-electricity knowledge and skills passed down through generations, like herbal medicine or traditional crafts, would still be valuable.
10. Human Resilience and Adaptability: During times of crisis, humans have demonstrated their ability to adapt and find creative solutions. The resilience and ingenuity of individuals and communities would come into play to overcome challenges posed by a modern day Carrington event.
Preparation for a Modern Carrington Event
Consider the list above and plan accordingly. Here is a basic guide: To prepare for a modern Carrington Event, it is recommended to build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan[6][8]. Some steps to take include filling plastic containers with water and placing them in the refrigerator and freezer, and having materials to repair or replace damaged parts[6][8]. It is also suggested to put a radio in a Faraday cage[7]. On an individual level, preparing for a massive solar flare striking our planet is doable by putting together a basic disaster kit, which is a good idea even if a solar flare never hits[10].
If a solar storm as intense as the Carrington Event were to occur in modern times, causing all wires to catch fire with a blue glow, it would have significant impacts on our technology and daily lives. In such a scenario, it is important to take the following steps:
1. Prepare for Disruptions: Expect widespread disruption to electrical and telecommunication systems. Unplug electronic devices to protect them from power surges[9].
2. Stay Informed: Monitor official channels for information and updates on the situation. Government agencies and emergency services would provide guidance on how to respond to the event[8]. Uh, learn smoke signals? Because no wires means no official channels. No channels at all, in the area hit. Nothing with electronics survives.
3. Minimize Travel: If possible, avoid unnecessary travel, especially by air, as the event could affect GPS and other navigation systems[8]. In fact, if you have a modern car, expect it to be knocked out when the storm hits and unable to start due to the onboard computer being fried.
4. Protect Electrical Equipment: To the extent possible, safeguard electrical equipment and power grids. This may involve temporarily shutting down certain systems to prevent damage from power surges[10].
5. Be Cautious with Fire: Due to the risk of electrical fires, exercise caution with open flames and flammable materials. Be prepared to respond to fires caused by electrical disturbances[10]. Fire extinguishers will still work.
6. Conserve Energy: In the aftermath of the event, there could be significant strain on energy resources. Conserving energy can help mitigate the impact of potential power outages[10].
It’s important to note that while the likelihood of a solar storm of this magnitude is low, the potential consequences would be severe. Therefore, being prepared and informed is crucial in such a scenario.
Citations:
[1] https://www.weather.gov/safety/space-before
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/preppers/comments/118dax8/how_to_prepare_for_a_carrington_event/
[3] https://jasemedical.com/useful-info/how-prepared-are-you-for-a-modern-day-carrington-event
[4] https://www.forbes.com/sites/startswithabang/2021/02/26/ask-ethan-how-prepared-are-we-for-the-next-giant-solar-flare/
[5] https://lifehacker.com/how-to-prepare-for-a-solar-flare-hitting-earth-because-1848076402
[6] https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/12/03/geomagnetic-largest-storm-earth-study/
[7] https://www.space.com/the-carrington-event
[8] https://www.livescience.com/carrington-event
[9] https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/08/carrington-event-warning/
[10] https://bigthink.com/starts-with-a-bang/oldest-trees-solar-storm/
