Sun Storm
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Synopsis
On 13th March, 1989 a sun storm wreaked havoc in Canada, causing widespread power cuts across Quebec, with many people left in darkness for days. Solar storms are predicted for the year 2,000 and they could cause flashing lights in the sky, satellite destruction and even bring on heart attacks. But how and why are these storms caused – and can we do anything to prevent them? Equinox reveals that turmoil on the surface of the sun creates magnetic storms even from 93 million miles away. Scientists can predict the storms, but not the effects. In 1997, the US military prepared pilots for possible periods of blindness and the US government considered grounding jumbos. But, a huge anti-climax followed as the mythical storm failed to materialise. Just how seriously should we take future warnings?
On 13th March, 1989 a sun storm wreaked havoc in Canada, causing widespread power cuts across Quebec, with many people left in darkness for days. Solar storms are predicted for the year 2,000 and they could cause flashing lights in the sky, satellite destruction and even bring on heart attacks. But how and why are these storms caused – and can we do anything to prevent them? Equinox reveals that turmoil on the surface of the sun creates magnetic storms even from 93 million miles away. Scientists can predict the storms, but not the effects. In 1997, the US military prepared pilots for possible periods of blindness and the US government considered grounding jumbos. But, a huge anti-climax followed as the mythical storm failed to materialise. Just how seriously should we take future warnings?
Duration
1 x 52'
Definition
SD
Genre
Factual
Subgenre
Science
Producer
EAGLE AND EAGLE LIMITED