The world doesn't need a war to collapse. Or a virus.
Sometimes, the greatest threat is much farther away… and at the same time, far too close to ignore.
The Sun, the star that makes life on Earth possible, also has the power to alter it completely. From time to time, it releases massive explosions of energy known as CMEs, which can travel millions of kilometres toward our planet.
The question is not only whether this could affect us… but what would happen if one of those explosions struck Earth with enough force?
What Is a CME?
A CME (Coronal Mass Ejection) is a massive explosion from the Sun that sends enormous amounts of plasma (electrically charged gas), radiation, and magnetic fields into space. When a CME is directed toward Earth, it can interact with the planet's magnetic field and trigger what is known as a geomagnetic storm.
It's as if the Sun "spits" energy into space… and we happen to be directly in its path.
Has This Happened Before?
Yes. And it's not just theory.
The Carrington Event
In 1859, an extremely powerful solar storm struck Earth. At the time, technology was very limited, but even then:
- ▸Telegraph systems failed
- ▸Electrical sparks appeared along telegraph lines
- ▸Some equipment continued operating without being connected to a power source
It was an early warning of what this type of event is capable of. Today, with a civilisation completely dependent on electricity and digital systems, the consequences would be far greater.
What Would Happen If It Occurred Today?
An extreme solar event would not destroy the planet… but it could seriously affect the way we live.
Electricity
- ▸Failures in electrical grids
- ▸Damage to transformers
- ▸Prolonged blackouts
Communications
- ▸Satellite disruptions
- ▸Unstable GPS systems
- ▸Internet and mobile network failures
Transportation
- ▸Traffic lights shutting down
- ▸Failures in logistics systems
- ▸Flight interruptions
Critical Services
- ▸Hospitals under severe pressure
- ▸Water and fuel supply disruptions
It would not be the end of the world… but it could very well be the end of the world as we know it.
What Do Experts Say?
Organisations such as NASA and NOAA constantly monitor solar activity. Experts generally agree on several important points:
- ▸Events like this have happened before
- ▸They will happen again at some point
- ▸There is no complete protection against an extreme solar storm
Although early warning systems exist, many modern infrastructures remain highly vulnerable.
So… Is It Really Possible?
Yes. But there are important nuances:
- ▸Not every solar storm is dangerous
- ▸Many pass without causing major damage
- ▸An extreme event is rare… but not impossible
It is a low-probability risk with potentially enormous consequences.
From Science to Fiction
These scenarios are not only studied… they are imagined.
In my novel This Is What We Are Now, I explore a world where everything shuts down within minutes. No warnings. No explanations.
And where the real danger is not the event itself… but what people become when everything stops working.
Conclusion
The Sun is essential to life… but it also has the power to alter our civilisation in ways we are only beginning to understand.
And if a powerful enough event ever occurs, the question will not be whether we can stop it… but how will we react when everything suddenly stops working?