In recent times we have been trusting that monitoring systems will alert us when a massive solar storm (CME – Coronal Mass Ejection) is about to hit us, and preventative measures can be taken. The only risk was that humans would make bad choices because of economics and the fear of making a mistake.

Now, that has all changed!

Over the past few years, solar physicists have begun to suspect that some CMEs sneak up on Earth, launching themselves without an observable ultraviolet signature. They call such wraiths stealth CMEs. (New Scientist)

On April 19, 2020, a stealth CME occurred, and the Solar Orbiter spacecraft didn’t know it was coming until it hit.

On January 30, 2022, a launch of Starlink satellites did not go to plan. 40 were destroyed when a solar storm pushed them off course. While we knew of a solar storm, all indications were that it was too small to effect the launch.

So basically we are sitting ducks. The big event that can destroy western civilisation – satellites, GPS, Internet, ATMs, power grids, railways and gas pipelines – can happen at any time, without warning.

It is more likely to happen during the solar maximum (many more storms), which peaks in 2025.

You have been warned. Your animals, crops and supplies won’t be affected, but society could be wrecked.