Scientists predict solar storms so powerful they can cripple the internet for weeks To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some remindersClick 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notificationsNot nowOKMENUAdvert10Advert10Advert10Scientists predict solar storms coming are so powerful they can cripple the internet for weeksGerrard KaongaPublished 20:19, 29 November 2023 GMT| Last updated 20:19, 29 November 2023 GMTFeatured Image Credit: Getty Stock ImagesScientists have warned that upcoming solar storms could be so powerful, the internet across the world could face issues for weeks.If the internet goes down for a couple hours at home it can be quite a hassle and is often made worse if you need to use it urgently.So you can imagine this hassle would be amplified tenfold if internet connections across the planet went down or experienced any major issues.Advert10Loading…Unfortunately, this isn’t the plot of an underappreciated B-tier Netflix thriller but an actual possibility according to scientists who have been studying the Sun’s solar activity.Every 11 years the Sun goes through a phase known as a solar maximum, where the surfaces begins to display dark spots. These dark spots shoot violent explosive energy to the planet and are caused by a change to the Sun’s magnetic field.The sun goes through a phase known as a solar maximum where the surfaces begins to display dark spots. Credit: NASA/WireImageAdvert10NASA has predicted the next solar maximum will begin in late 2025 - however, a new study led by Dr. Dibyendu Nandi, a physicist from the IISER Kolkata Center of Excellence in Space Sciences in India, has predicted an early 2024 solar event.“[It is] not possible to predict the intensity and consequences' of solar storms this early, but we should learn more as the new year approaches,” he said when speaking to the Mail Online.“The most intense storms can sometimes result in catastrophic orbital decay of low Earth orbiting satellites and disrupt satellite-based services such as communications and navigational networks.”So that could mean disruption from many of the technological tools we use every day.Advert10A major and intense solar storm could mean disruption for many of the technological tools we use every day. Credit: Andy Lyons“Of course, they also create beautiful auroras so we can expect 2024 to be a good year for aurora hunters,”Well I suppose there wouldn’t be a better time to appreciate the night time sky than when the internet is done.Nandi went on to say that predicting exactly when the most intense solar storms could occur can be challenging.Advert10He explained why his study and NASA’s conclusion differ as well as clarifying that individual solar cycles can vary in length from nine to 14 years.So, 11 years is 'a mean periodicity, implying this is determined by averaging the individual periods of all observed solar cycles in the modern era.'Topics: News, NASA, Space, TechnologyGerrard KaongaMore like thisNASA discovers 6 giant galaxies that are so old they shouldn't existMars has started spinning faster and it's left scientists baffledNASA scientists ‘gasped’ as they opened the lid on asteroid canisterFirst mission to ‘touch’ the sun makes 'important' discovery about solar windAdvert10Advert10Advert10Chosen for YouChosen for YouNewsWoman divides opinion after revealing she's becoming a grandma at 372 hours agoNewsScientists discover bottled water contains 240,000 pieces of tiny plastic that could be toxic3 hours agoCelebrityDua Lipa shocks fans with video showing she's unable to sit down with her tight dress at Golden Globes6 hours agoMost Read StoriesMost ReadNewsShocking compensation Alaska Airlines passengers were offered after door blew off at 16,000 feet8 hours agoNewsHomeowner responds after builders smash up driveway when they refused to pay for the work6 hours agoNews‘Permanent memorial’ will be created on the moon as rocket carrying remains of 330 people is due to launch3 days agoNewsBuilders smash up concrete driveway after homeowner refuses to pay them for their worka day ago10About & ContactPrivacy PolicyTerms of UsePrivacy SettingsSubmit your contentFacebookInstagramTwitterThreadsTikTokYouTube