I dug out some news which warns of catastrophic solar super-storms which could wipe out Earth's power. I wasn't hunting for it, believe me.
Crisis meetings have been held to discuss how to limit the damage of solar superstorms. These occur when the sun's surface erupts, followed by the release of huge levels of plasma and magnetic energy into space. These could trigger solar storms which tear into the earths magnetic field and rip it apart. If that happens, huge surges of electrical currents will lead to widespread power outages and destroy electrical machinery. Communication systems will be crippled, vital services such as transport, sanitation and medicine will close, and loss of power will plunge the planet into darkness.
Nasa believes the world should experience a geomagnetic storm once every 150 years on average, with a 12% likelihood of one occurring in the next decade.
Scientists are calling for a network of satellites to be installed across the solar system to provide an early warning of such an event. Read more at the Daily Star.
The warning from scientists will send shivers down the spine of astronomers who told of the recent Blood Moon which was said to prophesise a huge event that could strike down mankind. Daily Express.
My co-written Higher Ground futuristic series is based on a similar premise. A diary entry begins each of the four novels. Here's an excerpt from Knights in Dark Leather.
March 24, 2027
If you find this, my name is Tallulah McBride. But no--I've never been a bride. I'm twenty-one years old and I used to work in the library. That's where I obtained the materials to record the latest events. Nobody cared about what I did. They were too busy trying to get away. In panic and desperation, people smashed shop windows and stole food, equipment, clothes. Anything that could be used as a weapon or tool. After two days, we heard the whirring of a helicopter. Only one. We waved and yelled and it landed. Only three people could squeeze in with their most important belongings. There were four of us at the library.
They left me behind.
Predictions or not, scientists take the threat seriously. What would you do if all power was lost?