Huge Solar Storm Could Shut Down US

AOL filed under: SCIENCE NEWS

(April 21) - A massive solar storm could be catastrophic for the United States and other countries, scientists warn.

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A Threat From Afar

NASA, Steele Hill

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A graphic depicts eruptions of plasma radiating from the sun toward Earth. The eruptions, or coronal mass ejections (CMEs), create electromagnetic interference that can disrupt technology on our planet. See more incredible images of these events.

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Such a storm could knock out power nationwide, ABCNews.com reported, leading to a nightmarish scenario that could include failures of transportation, communication and financial systems; shutdowns of government services; and a lack of safe drinking water, food and medication.

Solar storms form when intense bursts of plasma erupt from the surface of the sun, creating what's called a coronal mass ejection (CME). These eruptions can produce electromagnetic interference that wreaks havoc with electricity-dependent technology on Earth.

Although the probability of a worst-case scenario solar storm event is low, researchers say that our increasing reliance on technology makes it crucial to be prepared for such a calamity.