Debunking Solar Storm Myths: Can Powerful Solar Flares Cause 'Internet Apocalypse'?

Internet apocalypse is a hypothetical notion that may occur should an extreme solar flare or other types of solar storms such as coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and solar winds hit Earth in the future.

The event pertains to the total collapse of the world's internet infrastructure and network if solar storm-triggered radio blackouts impact our planet.

While the looming apocalyptic phenomenon may seem far from reality, geomagnetic storms and radio blackouts in previous decades have resulted in the disruption of Blue Planet's radio and satellite technology.

The said subject lies in the field of solar storm myths, yet scientists have not ruled out the possibility that our access to the World Wide Web may come to an end one day.

Internet Apocalypse

(Photo : Photo by NASA on Unsplash)

In recent months, there has been a growing concern regarding the potential occurrence of an internet apocalypse caused by an impending radio blackout solar storm in the coming years.
Whether the said hypothetical event is driven by fact or fiction, one might not avoid imagining that a cataclysmic space weather phenomenon may end our decades-long technology: the internet.

Widespread online reports and posts on different social media platforms about the said cosmic danger emerged in June, in addition to the ones that came in previous years. However, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has not issued an official warning or advisory regarding the occurrence of a potential internet apocalypse.

Also Read: A Massive Solar Flare Can Affect Everyone's Electricity, Phones Even the Internet

Old Hoax

Last year, the apparent internet apocalypse NASA warning, which has been confirmed as an "old hoax," recirculated in Sri Lanka, with information showing that the world will plunged into darkness for at least six days in December 2022. The said claim has reportedly circulated the internet since 2012.

Now, the latest spate of 'internet apocalypse fear-mongering' indicates that the event may finally manifest during a major solar storm in 2025, the year when solar activities are expected to increase due to the solar maximum of the current Solar Cycle 25.

One of the instances of the potential threat reportedly concerns the United Kingdom, after an expert allegedly warned that Brits must prepare for the looming internet apocalypse.

2025 Solar Maximum

In 2020, an expert panel led by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted that the Solar Cycle 25 will reach its solar maximum in 2025, there was no mention of a planetary-scale solar flare or solar storm.

While NASA warnings about a looming internet apocalypse have been proven nothing but a solar storm myth, this technological disaster is still possible due to the multiple records of the disruptive capabilities of geomagnetic storms from solar storms, which can cause radio blackouts.

What are Radio Blackouts?

Over the past several years, radio blackouts have occurred in different parts of the world, particularly during the aftermath of a geomagnetic storm coming from solar flares.

The NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) explains that a solar flare is a massive eruption of highly energized electromagnetic particles or radiation from the Sun that can last for several minutes to hours.

This solar outburst emits such geomagnetic storm particles that can impact Earth's magnetosphere, disrupting navigation systems and damaging power grids, according to NASA. The SWPC states this disruption may lead to a radio blackout, which is the absence of high-frequency communication.

Related Article: Can a Solar Flare Be Powerful Enough to Wipe Out All Life on Earth?