Solar Storm Threat

[hym 358]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the issue at heart here is not a direct impact of particles from the sun to earth, but rather the earth's magnetic field shifting as a result of being hit by the shock wave.

 

In other words, the concern when it comes to the power grid is the induction of unwanted current due to magnetic fluctuations.

More or less.  The specific concern is that there is enough current induced directly inside the transformer that the resulting heating damages the transformer windings.  We can disconnect a transformer from the grid, but we can't disconnect it from itself, so there is no realistic measure to protect it against that.  About all you can do is hope for the best or pray to your deity of choice that the transformer makes it through okay.

 

The question then becomes one of scale. This fluctuation may be strong enough to induce a lot of current in power lines that stretch for miles and miles, but not have any significant effect on transformers and other smaller objects.

 

Research and experience suggests that this is the most plausible scenario.  Transmission lines, especially the really long ones, are vulnerable to high reactive power loads (which a geomagnetically induced current would be).  Theoretically, this can damage the line itself, but it is unlikely because the existing relaying systems would detect the problem and isolate the line to protect it.  Even if the line was damaged, transmission lines can continue to operate in a damaged state if the damage isn't too severe.  Plus, transmission line has a nice shelf life, so utilities usually keep some of it around in case it is needed.

[blade2k5 1,523]

http://www.rightsidenews.com/2014102435022/life-and-science/energy-and-environment/solar-storm-14-times-larger-than-earth-could-unleash-a-society-crippling-electromagnetic-pulse.html

http://endoftheamericandream.com/archives/what-are-you-going-to-do-when-a-massive-emp-blast-fries-the-u-s-electrical-grid

^It's very scary in my opinion, especially because the government has no plan to deal with it if it happens..... 

 

Of course they don't, that's why they're the gov't.

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

Besides, what would you like them to do?  Their communications systems could well be down as well.

 

Think of all those teeny-boppers with their cell phones all disabled.  Delicious.

[blade2k5 1,523]

Besides, what would you like them to do?  Their communications systems could well be down as well.

 

Think of all those teeny-boppers with their cell phones all disabled.  Delicious.

 

 

I couldn't care less about those poor poor brain-dead teens who can't live without their precious cell phones and electronics.  They'll either get over it or they won't.  Doesn't matter to me.

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

 

Besides, what would you like them to do?  Their communications systems could well be down as well.

 

Think of all those teeny-boppers with their cell phones all disabled.  Delicious.

 

 

I couldn't care less about those poor poor brain-dead teens who can't live without their precious cell phones and electronics.  They'll either get over it or they won't.  Doesn't matter to me.

 

My sentiments exactly.  Maybe one word facetiousness isn't enough?