Scientists propose launching a giant 'airbag' into space to protect us from solar superstorms — and experts say it's 'quite feasible'
science
Scientists have proposed an audacious defense system against the sun's most violent tantrums. A new study details a satellite constellation called StormWall — essentially a network of spacecraft that would release gas into Earth's magnetosphere to shield us from dangerous solar superstorms. According to the research, this novel approach could reduce the worst impacts of space weather by more than half. While the concept might sound like science fiction, experts say it's actually quite feasible with today's technology. Solar superstorms pose a real threat: they can damage power grids, satellites, and communications infrastructure across the planet. Unlike most space weather defenses, which focus on hardening equipment after the fact, StormWall would offer direct protection by creating a buffer in our planet's magnetic field. The plan remains theoretical for now, but it represents a serious attempt to get ahead of one of Earth's most underestimated natural hazards.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/space/space-exploration/scien...
Listen to this story
Hear this and more stories in a personalized audio briefing.
Open The Chonkerton