Study Suggests We've Been Measuring Solar Storms All Wrong - CNET

Our gifting experts are obsessively searching for holiday gifts that are unique, thoughtful and suitable for any budget. Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. The same phenomenon that causes the beautiful aurora borealis may also cause way more havoc than previously thought. The northern lights are one of the most visible effects of solar storms on Earth. Sometimes the sun throws a temper tantrum, and that tantrum hits Earth. For some people, that means a chance to see the beautiful aurora borealis light up the night sky. But solar storms can cause damage to Earth and the various people and items orbiting in space. That’s because, according to a new study, the risks from solar storms might be worse than originally thought. The study, authored by NASA’s Nithin Sivadas and Maria Walach of Lancaster University, posits that science’s understanding of solar storms and the electrical currents generated in Earth’s upper atmosphere may have been misunderstood, and that solar storms may be much riskier, especially for satellites and astronauts in orbit. To under