Can solarstorms destroy life on Earth? #shortfacts

Sunstorms, or solar storms, can be incredibly dangerous to Earth and its inhabitants. Solar storms are violent eruptions of energy from the sun's surface that bombard our planet with giant clouds of electrically charged particles. These particles travel at high speeds, reaching Earth in as little as 15 minutes, and interact with the Earth's own magnetic field causing it to fluctuate and break down. Sunstorms have the potential to damage communication systems such as radio, TV, GPS and satellite navigation signals; they can even cause power outages by overloading electricity grids around the world. They also create stunning auroras in polar regions but can also lead to increased radiation levels which can be hazardous to both humans and animals alike. Sunstorms have been linked to higher incidences of cancer in astronauts who have spent extended periods in space due to their exposure to extreme levels of radiation. Sunstorms are likely to become more frequent as the sun reaches its peak activity period every 11 years, so it is essential for us all to prepare for these events and take extra precautions against their potentially devastating consequences.