1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
3. Power grids could be damaged.
4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over Polar Regions could be interrupted.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
(b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
(c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
(d) 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6 and 7

10. Ans: c

Explanation:

What is a solar flare?

A solar flare is an intense burst of radiation, or light, on the Sun. Flares are our solar system’s most powerful explosive events – the most powerful flares have the energy equivalent of a billion hydrogen bombs, enough energy to power the whole world for 20,000 years. 

How do solar flares affect Earth?

Solar flares only affect Earth when they occur on the side of the Sun facing Earth. Solar flares are rated into different classes based on their strength, or energy output, and the effect a flare will have on Earth depends on what class it is (B, C, M, and X classes, with X being the most intense). 

The most dangerous emissions from flares are energetic charged particles (primarily high-energy protons) and electromagnetic radiation (primarily x-rays).

How does a solar storm affect us?

When directed toward Earth, a solar storm can create a major disturbance in Earth’s magnetic field, called a geomagnetic storm, that can produce effects such as radio blackouts, power outages, and beautiful auroras. 

• The x-rays from flares are stopped by our atmosphere well above the Earth’s surface. They do disturb the Earth’s ionosphere, however, which in turn disturbs radio communications. 
• X rays along with energetic ultraviolet radiation, they heat the Earth’s outer atmosphere, causing it to expand. This increases the drag on Earth-orbiting satellites, reducing their lifetime in orbit. Also, both intense radio emission from flares and changes in the atmosphere can degrade satellite communications, for example the precision of Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements can be degraded. This might cause an internet outage, meaning an internet shutdown.  

Hence, statement 1 is correct.

• One serious problem that can occur during a geomagnetic storm is damage to Earth-orbiting satellites, especially those in high, geosynchronous orbits. Communications satellites are generally in these high orbits. Either the satellite becomes highly charged during the storm and a component is damaged by the high current that discharges into the satellite, or a component is damaged by high-energy particles that penetrate the satellite. 
• Currently astronauts are not in immediate danger because they stay relatively near the Earth in low earth orbit. They do have to be concerned about cumulative radiation exposure during space walks. 
• The energetic particles from a flare or CME would be dangerous to an astronaut on a mission to the Moon or Mars, however.
• Solar storms, which are much more terrifying near the sun than on Earth, don’t directly cause tsunamis on Earth. Regular tectonic activity continues regardless of solar wind activity. 

Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

• Another major problem that has occurred during geomagnetic storms has been the temporary loss of electrical power over a large region. The best known case of this occurred in 1989 in Quebec. High currents in the magnetosphere induce high currents in power lines, blowing out electric transformers and power stations. This is most likely to happen at high latitudes, where the induced currents are greatest, and in regions having long power lines and where the ground is poorly conducting. The damage to satellites and power grids can be very expensive and disruptive.

Hence, statement 3 is correct.

• One spectacular side-effect of increased solar activity during the solar cycle is aurora. When the energetic particles from the sun slam into Earth’s atmosphere, dazzling light illuminates the sky. The color of the aurora depends on what chemicals in Earth’s atmosphere the particles hit. Red hues are produced from collisions with nitrogen molecules and green is produced by oxygen molecules. 

Hence, statement 4 is correct.

• Solar flares produce high energy particles and radiation that are dangerous to living organisms. However, on the surface of the Earth, we are well protected from the effects of solar flares by the Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere .Forest fires are not caused by solar storms. The flares are not strong till they reach the Earth so as to cause forest fires. 

Hence, statement 5 is incorrect.

• When the solar cycle is at peak activity, it can pose a risk to communications on Earth and satellites. It can disturb the orbits of such satellites. The solar storm can endanger astronauts and Earth-orbiting spacecraft. 

Hence, statement 6 is correct.

• Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over Polar Regions could also be interrupted by the solar storms as the electronic equipments may malfunction. 

Hence, statement 7 is correct.

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