Another dire warning for 2012 - Solar Maximum - peak of its 11-year cycle

Although satellites are on the front line, if there is a powerful surge in energetic particles entering the atmosphere, we may feel the adverse effects down here on Earth too. Due to the X-ray generation of electrons in the ionosphere, some forms of communication may become patchy (or be removed all together), but this isn't all that can happen. Particularly in high-latitude regions, a vast electric current, known as an "electrojet", may form through the ionosphere by these incoming particles. With an electric current comes a magnetic field. Depending on the intensity of the solar storm, currents may be induced down here on the ground, possibly overloading national power grids. On March 13th 1989, six million people lost power in the Quebec region of Canada after a huge increase in solar activity caused a surge from ground-induced currents. Quebec was paralysed for nine hours whilst engineers worked on a solution to the problem.

In an added twist, solar physicists are surprised by the lack of solar activity at the start of this 24th solar cycle, leading to some scientists to speculate we might be on the verge of another Maunder minimum and "Little Ice Age". This is in stark contrast to NASA solar physicist's 2006 prediction that this cycle will be a "doozy".

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[babyjadeisha]

Honey Badger don't give a shit.

[theunknown117]

that anchor guy thinks he's all cool just cuz he had to say "blackberry" blackberry phone are more of a womans phone. they look better when women uses them, not guys. jokes on you

[jpbraziliano]

@Severe777 I didnt mean to generalise it, but I think we can all agree he is an inbecile.

[fernandopinoordonez]

revelations chapter 16 verse 8

[carlosecosta1]

I did a little research. I encourage people to not believe in anything, but take every testemony as a point of view. Then evaluate who is that party and what is their predominant bias. Look closer and 2012 will show up as a special opportunity, an once in a lifetime kind of occasion in the cosmos. Are you ready?

[Truthrevealed21]

Professor Michio RETARDO. He is nothing more than a media whore who needs constant attention. Nothing is going to happen in 2012. No one should believe this DORK.

[biggestatteist]

Fox is a moron network and michio is a dreamer not a real sientist

[maaagicman]

Only old people and stupid people watch fox news. It is a disgrace to see what our "news" stations have come to.

[ayanamii2004]

@DeadJesus100 plan for the best expect the worst. and if something does happen what than your talking about something that has yet to happen. so lets sum this up if nothing happens joke on them if something does happen guess the jokes on you. even if nothing does happen better to be ready if case something does happen.

[Axmedkoole]

Fox News sounds more like Onion News lately.

[robertklein2000]

amazing how they are so concerned with blaming

[sletha2067]

the sun has a temper tantrum?? /: did he get pissed off at something?