Solar storm: Evidence found of huge eruption from Sun

[Sarah Zaffino]

I agree with the idea that knowledge is power on the topic of 'solar storms'. It is beneficial for people to understand what is going on around them, so they can be better prepared for it. Especially if these events can impact the lives of astronauts or people at high altitudes. These solar storms can be dangerous because they can leave astronauts and people at high altitudes exposed to large amounts of radiation. Not only can radiation lead to acute health problems such as skin burns, but it can also result in diseases such as cancer. Very high amounts of radiation exposure can even lead to death. It can also be a risk to those of us on earth as it can interfere with satellites such as the Global Positioning System (GPS). Not only are these systems used by civilians, they also have other uses. For example, they can be used to track the movements of a tagged animal to learn not only their territory but characteristics of their species. These systems are also used by the military, for example, to make sure a submarine is going where it is supposed to. All in all, being aware of these 'solar storms' can help us better prepare if/when another one comes in the future.

Sources:
https://www.epa.gov/radiation/radiation-health-effects
https://www.space.com/19794-navstar.html
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-47536271