Will “the Perfect Space Storm” Wreak Havoc on Earth?

A few weeks ago, we told you about the possibility (mind-bogglingly remote, by the way) of an asteroid crashing into Earth and wiping out civilization as we know it. 

Well, scientists are at it again. A new report from the National Academy of Sciences warns that solar storms, essentially powerful magnetic forces radiating from the sun, could wreak havoc on Earth-bound telecommunications, satellites, and the power grid. The result (admittedly the worst-case scenario – they don’t want to alarm anybody) could be a breakdown of government control and mass chaos.

Solar storms happen all the time, causing minor problems. But the major effects occur during the most active phase of an 11-year cycle. Set your calendars for 2012 – astronomers expect an interesting year.

(Source: Space.com)

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