From this article scientist are predicting increasing solar wind activity. As I understand the it, this will most likely cause problems, maybe major ones, with many areas of our electronic civilization.
I recall reading some years ago about the effects of an electromagnetic attack on the critical systems in the US and most major industrialized nations. This case was built around a “First-Strike” scenario designed to incapacitate satellites and nuclear defences. It seems communications at all levels (military, fire/rescue, and simple phone calls)would be affected. Radar for military, commercial and private aircraft, G.P.S, power grids resulting in blackouts of major population areas, and the like might not be unthinkable.
This fictional work I read was written before the mass spread of cell phones and increasing use and dependence on the internet. Many newer vehicles have elaborate on-board computers controlling every aspect of the operation on the roadway. Most record keeping is done on magnetic storage and susceptible to such radiation.
I’m sure these are but a few examples of the possible effects of massive solar winds on western culture.
I have never been one to ascribe to doomsayer or alarmist propaganda but I can’t help but wonder what, if any, effect this will have within the next few years.
I would be interested to hear the thoughts of those fine minds of the SDMB on the likelihood and extent of this scenario given the fact that the event horizon could be in as little as a year.