On December 21, 2024, space weather experts sounded the alarm: our star, the Sun, is about to enter a feared phase called the “battle zone.” This period, characterized by an intensification of solar activities, could have devastating repercussions on satellites in Earth orbit.
What is the solar “battle zone”?
The Sun follows an 11-year activity cycle, marked by variations in the number of sunspots. These spots, areas of intense magnetic activity, are often the scene of violent solar flares. The cycle reaches its peak during solar maximum, the period during which these phenomena are most frequent.
However, after this peak, the Sun enters an even more tumultuous phase: the “battle zone”. During this period, two giant magnetic bands, originating from the 22-year Hale cycle, coexist and clash in each solar hemisphere. This magnetic confrontation causes increased disturbances, including the formation of coronal holes – large dark areas on the solar surface – which release bursts of high-speed solar wind.
Potential consequences on Earth and for humanity
The effects of this solar intensification are multiple and worrying:
• Perturbations des satellites : Solar winds can increase the density of Earth's atmosphere, causing increased drag on low-orbiting satellites. This can lead to a loss of altitude or even the disintegration of these devices. In 2022, a geomagnetic storm caused the loss of several satellites in the Starlink constellation.
• Communications malfunctions : Solar flares can disrupt GPS signals and radio communications, affecting air and maritime navigation and terrestrial telecommunications services.
• Risks for electricity networks : Geomagnetic storms induced by solar activity can cause surges in power grids, leading to large-scale outages. A major solar storm could leave the world without power grids and communications for days or even months.
• Threats to astronaut health : Energetic particles emitted during solar flares pose a significant danger to space mission crews, increasing the risk of radiation exposure.
Preventive measures and recommendations
Faced with these imminent threats, it is imperative to adopt proactive measures:
• Satellite reinforcement : Integrate radiation-resistant materials and develop surge protection systems for orbiting satellites.
• Improved forecasts : Invest in space missions dedicated to solar observation, such as Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter, in order to better anticipate solar flares and storms.
• Protection of terrestrial infrastructure : Establish protocols to temporarily disconnect power grids during geomagnetic storm alerts and strengthen the resilience of communications systems.
Encrypted data:
| Sector | Potential impacts |
|---|---|
| Telecommunications | Satellite losses, mobile network and Internet interruptions |
| Energy | Surges, widespread power outages |
| Air and sea transportation | Malfunction of GPS navigation systems |
| Finance | Reliance on satellites for instant transactions, increased vulnerability |
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