In the coming years, Earth may face a devastating solar superflare capable of causing serious damage to modern civilization.
An international team of astrophysicists warns that powerful solar superflares can seriously damage technological infrastructure. These events are thousands of times stronger than ordinary solar flares. They can destroy electronics, satellites, and cause power outages.
A historical example is the so-called "Carrington Event" of 1859 (named after astronomer Richard Carrington), when the consequences of a solar superflare caused fires at telegraph stations around the world. Serious consequences were avoided then, as humanity was less dependent on technology. Nowadays, the consequences could be catastrophic.
New studies of stars similar to the Sun show that superflares occur every 100–200 years, not once every thousand years as previously thought. Analysis of prehistoric trees and glaciers confirms that superflares have occurred in the past, but their exact frequency is unknown.
To prevent threats, scientists plan to launch the Vigil probe in 2031. It will record solar activity and warn of flares, giving time to shut down vulnerable equipment.
Superflares remain an unpredictable threat, so experts continue to look for ways to protect Earth from their destructive effects.