The Carrington Event

In 1859, there was an event that lasted a week. Prior to the event, twin solar flares occurred as detailed in this sketch by Richard Carrington.

These flares coalesced to form a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) which hit the earth sparking massive auroral displays lasting a week. CMEs occur most frequently during periods of high solar activity (such as we are in now). During the last period (in 2012) a similar-sized CME narrowly missed Earth. If it had actually hit the Earth, it would have shut down all financial interactions for a week (all electrical systems would be shut down). During the summer, it would be disastrous but at least people could barbecue their food. During the winter, it would be cataclysmic, as it would shut down heating systems for housing.

In addition to an increase in the frequency of CMEs during this solar cycle, we are facing a decline in our magnetic field (protective envelope).

As the field collapses even minor CMEs could have devastating effects.