The Sun’s heat is responsible for sustaining all life on Earth. What becomes, though, if the radiation spirals out of control and suddenly billions of tons of charged solar material hurt us at thousands of miles per second?
Scientists ensure us there’s no need to worry, and here’s why.
Earth vs. Sun: What’s Going to Be?
Have you ever wondered: is the Sun powerful enough to wipe out life as we know it on Earth? Could that really happen? Well, you need to calm down if you’re troubled by this thought because there’s more than meets the eye.
Although there are many possible ways, most scientists agree that Earth’s magnetic field and dense atmosphere will keep us remarkably safe. Yes, even the strongest solar eruptions. How’s that possible?
Even while solar storms can interfere with radio and radar equipment and take satellites down, the most dangerous radiation is absorbed in the sky long before it reaches our skin.
Let’s find out a professional opinion.
Alex Young is the Associate Director for Science in the Heliophysics Science Division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. He released a statement back in 2011, addressing fears that a solar flare would end the world in 2012:
Even in the largest events that we’ve seen in the past 10,000 years, we see that the effect is not enough to damage the atmosphere such that we are no longer protected.
However, not all solar flares are benevolent. The sheer electromagnetic force of a burst might damage internet connections, electrical systems, and other communication equipment on Earth, causing chaos and possibly even death.
That’s why NASA and other space agencies worldwide take this issue seriously and carefully monitor the Sun for any potentially dangerous activities. They also have the best equipment, including space telescopes and observatories, to keep track of many events in our Solar System.