UPSC Prelims 2022 Q40: Science & Technology – Space Technology & Astronomy
If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible
effects on the Earth?
1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
3. Power grids could be damaged.
4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
- (b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
- (c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
Answer: (c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
Explanation
Effects of a major solar storm on Earth
Solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) send charged particles and radiation towards Earth, disturbing its magnetosphere and ionosphere.
| Possible effect | Likely? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1. GPS and navigation fail | Yes | Ionosphere disturbances distort satellite signals |
| 2. Tsunamis at the Equator | No | Tsunamis come from undersea earthquakes, not solar activity |
| 3. Power grids damaged | Yes | Induced currents overload transformers (Quebec blackout, 1989) |
| 4. Intense auroras | Yes | Auroras seen far from the poles (Carrington Event, 1859; May 2024 storm) |
| 5. Forest fires | No | Solar storms do not ignite forests |
| 6. Satellite orbits disturbed | Yes | Upper atmosphere heats and expands, increasing drag (e.g. Starlink losses, 2022) |
| 7. Shortwave radio over polar routes interrupted | Yes | Radio blackouts in the polar ionosphere |
India's watch: Aditya-L1 (2023) studies the Sun from the L1 point.
Answer: (c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. It includes tsunamis and forest fires, which solar storms do not cause.
- (b) Incorrect. It includes tsunamis and forest fires and leaves out GPS failure and auroras.
- (c) CORRECT. Solar storms can hit GPS, power grids, auroras, satellite orbits and polar radio, but not tsunamis or forest fires.
- (d) Incorrect. Tsunamis and forest fires are not effects of solar storms.
Key point
Solar storms affect electromagnetic and space systems — GPS, grids, satellites, HF radio, auroras — not tsunamis or fires.
Remember
Solar storms disrupt GPS, power grids, satellites and radio, and cause auroras.
Common mistakes
- Linking solar storms to tsunamis; tsunamis are caused by seafloor earthquakes and landslides.
- Thinking solar flares can set forests on fire; they do not heat the ground that way.
- Forgetting satellite drag, which can pull low satellites out of orbit.
Exam tip
Solar storm = electricity and radio trouble. Anything geological or fire-related is out.
Sources
- NASA — Space weather impacts
- ISRO — Aditya-L1 mission
- NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center — Space weather scales