Solar storms due to begin in 2013 could severely disrupt satellites, air travel, banking, communication systems and power grids for long periods, according to Dr Richard Fisher, director of NASA´s Heliophysics division.
The sun´s magnetic cycle peaks every 22 years, while solar flare activity peaks every 11 years. These two events will coincide in 2013, causing a solar "super storm" which would release immense amounts of radiation and hit like a "bolt of lightning."
Scientists have been warning of the coming storms, and the need to prepare, for years, but these are the most dramatic warnings to date. "If you know that a hazard is coming … and you have time enough to prepare and take precautions, then you can avoid trouble," said Dr. Fisher.
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