Sun Spots - 23 September 2010

The Sun constantly spews out molten lava and gases at super heated temperatures which cause solar wind and small fluctuations in magnetic fields felt as far away as Earth. Variations in the fields are the cause of spectcular phenomena like the Northern Lights.

However scientists are warning that according to statistics, once every two hundered years, the Sun throws out a "super spot" which is far bigger than normal. Last time this happened, in the 19th century, electricity and everything dependent on it, did not exist. That matters because since the last one, we have developed a lifestyle across the planet which is dependent on electricity and everything derived from it.

We are told a sun super spot will short out every electricity station on the planet unless "fuseboxes" are upgraded.

In the western world this could have a profound effect on the way we live for many many weeks whilst infrastructure is repaired. No lights, heat, TV, computers, no shopping online, no online news, no social networks, no fuel pumps at petrol stations, no supermarkets. no school. no planes flying (they depend on electronic systems). Nothing.

The good news is that scientists and government departments are talking about this. Lets hope we can get enough fuseboxes upgraded quickly.