The main issue is with the big transformers in the electrical grid. They are especially vulnerable to the magnetic fields that come with a big solar storm, and then its a challenge to replace them (assuming that many of them have been knocked out). That's worse when we rely on a centralised electrical grid, since knocking out enough transformers brings down the power supply for everyone.
If you have a smaller local grid with many distributed power sources (imagine solar panels scattered around), then the risk of a widespread outage goes down. You have less large transformers, because these are mostly used for high voltage long transmission lines. And though you might have some damaged components, if you have a simpler network it is likely easier to get it fixed (and some might get lucky and avoid damage altogether). So would still be some disruption, but more manageable.
Both USCG and USN require their Navigators and inspected licenses (I am one 1600 ton master) to be able to navigate celestially ie: not electronics. This requirement was dropped at some point and reinstated in the last 10 years something like that. They are expecting a failure of some sort and want to be prepared. I’d suggest you own paper maps of your area.
I have seen recorded possible heat damage on large exterior granite artifacts in Egypt such as the Rameseum where the granite is literally sloughed off. Some speculate this may be due to a massive solar flair at some point in time. Thanks! Interesting stuff.
A good reminder that we are little creatures on a little planet, and mostly surviving by luck in a narrow bit of liveable space inside the atmosphere. May our luck continue!
Yikes! Now I have another thing to worry about that I can't do anything abooot
On the positive side, you can look forward to the nice lights in the sky that will come first.
And I suspect that as power networks get more distributed with more solar panels installed, the risks of a widespread outage probably decrease.
Something I can do is get Solar. I do have a solar panel on my zombie apocalypse Van so I just need to keep the tank full
Would the electrical components of a local solar grid system not be affected ?
The main issue is with the big transformers in the electrical grid. They are especially vulnerable to the magnetic fields that come with a big solar storm, and then its a challenge to replace them (assuming that many of them have been knocked out). That's worse when we rely on a centralised electrical grid, since knocking out enough transformers brings down the power supply for everyone.
If you have a smaller local grid with many distributed power sources (imagine solar panels scattered around), then the risk of a widespread outage goes down. You have less large transformers, because these are mostly used for high voltage long transmission lines. And though you might have some damaged components, if you have a simpler network it is likely easier to get it fixed (and some might get lucky and avoid damage altogether). So would still be some disruption, but more manageable.
Ah thank you for this. Well outside my area of understanding.
Both USCG and USN require their Navigators and inspected licenses (I am one 1600 ton master) to be able to navigate celestially ie: not electronics. This requirement was dropped at some point and reinstated in the last 10 years something like that. They are expecting a failure of some sort and want to be prepared. I’d suggest you own paper maps of your area.
I have seen recorded possible heat damage on large exterior granite artifacts in Egypt such as the Rameseum where the granite is literally sloughed off. Some speculate this may be due to a massive solar flair at some point in time. Thanks! Interesting stuff.
A good reminder that we are little creatures on a little planet, and mostly surviving by luck in a narrow bit of liveable space inside the atmosphere. May our luck continue!
A sobering post