Space Storms Could Wipe Out The Power Grid But NASA Has A Plan (Yes, It Involves AI)
A new computer model that combines artificial intelligence (AI) and NASA satellite data could soon act as Earth’s early warning system for hazardous space storms.
The model, called DAGGER, has the potential to analyze measurements of solar wind. It can then accurately (and quickly) predict where an impending solar storm will strike on Earth. This crucial notice could allow humanity to brace for the impact of these storms, safeguarding critical infrastructure from potentially catastrophic damage.
DAGGER stands for Deep Learning Geomagnetic Perturbation. Researchers have built the model to be open-source, so data could be shared back and forth with private companies. Power grid operators, agricultural co-ops, mobile phone companies and others could help update and inform the system.
Warnings from the system could also be shared by these organizations. Think of a system of “solar storm sirens” that could sound across the land in the face of a coming space storm. Similar to midwestern tornado sirens, the sound would help brace businesses and society for incoming geomagnetic disruptions that could take down entire power grids.
The above video, according to NASA, “shows two eruptions from the Sun called coronal mass ejections, which blasted charged particles into space on Oct. 28 and 29, 2003. … These blasts were part of a string of solar storms around Halloween of that year, which triggered a blackout in Sweden and caused disruptions to communications, aircraft, and spacecraft.”
