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NASA Working On Solar Storm Shield
Zothecula writes "The solar storms that cause the stunning aurora borealis and aurora australis (or northern and southern polar lights) also have the potential to knock out telecommunications equipment and navigational systems and cause blackouts of electrical grids. With the frequency of the sun's flares following an 11-year cycle of solar activity and the next solar maximum expected around 2013, scientists are bracing for an overdue, once-in-100 year event that could cause widespread power blackouts and cripple electricity grids around the world. It sounds like an insurmountable problem but a new NASA project called 'Solar Shield' is working to develop a forecasting system that can mitigate the impacts of such events and keep the electrons flowing."
Every time I hear about NASA spending money on a boondoggle like manned space flight or dumping more money into a black hole like the Space Shuttle, I get so angry. That's my tax money being squandered on useless pet projects.
But then I hear about stuff like this. Where NASA is actually trying to do something that benefits Man, and not just feed their own egos. It makes me hopeful that we can get back on track with our space program.
Maybe all it took was less funding to bring out these imaginative ideas. I don't suppose that would work in other areas of our government... Or could it?
I am getting tired of people quoting imaginary threats against the electrical grid. Y2K could bring down the electrical grid worldwide. Hackers could bring down the electrical grid worldwide. Terrorists could bring down the electrical grid worldwide. Cyber-warfare could bring down the electrical grid nationwide. Now, solar flares.
Your mama could bring down the electrical grid. When will the reality come through, that the electrical grid is actively maintained and it ain't that fragile? Major power failures happen what, once in 5 years in developed countries? And for most "victims" they are merely an inconvenience. More people die every year from food poisoning or slipping in the bathroom than in the blackout of the decade.
[Sir Garlon] is the marvellest knight that is now living, for he destroyeth many good knights, for he goeth invisible.
"Department of Solar Security and Global Warming has raised the threat level from Yellow (hot) to Red (really f'n hot). Although widespread power outages and satellite failures are expected, most of the resulting problems will be due to over use of air conditioners. We appreciate the hysteria created when Y2K forecasts caused widespread panic; however, DSSGW strenuously recommends that citizens vote Democratic during this next election to appease the Solar God of Politico thus saving the women and children from solaritis." Really? Sounds like another example of manufactured stress and "never let a good crisis go to waste" exercise. Enough already...