ICI Radio-Canada
Text by Camille Vernet
Published April 19, 2024
Behind the spell binding beauty of the aurora borealis lies a threat. The solar storms that trigger them can be a danger to the Earth.
Every 11 years or so, these storms intensify. In 2024, the Sun enters this period of turbulence. The consequences are unpredictable, rare and potentially dramatic: these storms can lead to the loss of all communications, a catastrophe in our now ultra-connected world.
Canada is particularly at risk, but it is also in a privileged position to monitor our star. From east to west, researchers are joining forces to unravel the mysteries of the Sun.
At the Canadian Space Weather Centre, it's these invisible forces that Robyn Fiori observes on her multiple screens. Here, the Sun is monitored 24hours a day, 7 days a week. Because, to protect yourself from solar storms, you have to anticipate them.
When we talk about terrestrial weather, we're talking about something that generally happens in a very localized area. But space weather has global repercussions," explains Robyn Fiori.
A solar storm can damage satellites, disrupt the Internet, cut radiowaves and disorient planes and drones, jeopardizing our communication and navigation systems.
