5 Major Geomagnetic Storms that Affected Earth (1859-1989) | USGS

5 Major Geomagnetic Storms that Affected Earth (1859-1989) | USGS

Every 11 years the Sun's magnetic field flips. This period is referred to as a solar cycle. As we approach the peak of Solar Cycle 25, activity on the Sun’s surface will increase, including more solar flares, sunspots, and coronal mass ejections. If one of these events is directed towards Earth, it could cause a magnetic storm and disturb our planet’s geomagnetic field. A geomagnetic storm may leave us in the dark and unable to communicate. It’s happened before and it will happen again.

While our attention turns toward the upcoming solar peak, we thought it would be a good time to reflect on five geomagnetic storms that have reshaped societies.

0:00 Introduction 

1:29 5. The Carrington Event

2:02 4. New York Railroad Storm 

2:28 3. 1940 Superstorm 

2:57 2. Solar Storms of ‘72

3:28 1. Quebec Blackout

Video Credit: United States Geological Survey (USGS)

Duration: 4 minutes, 36 seconds

Release Date: July 9, 2024 

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