Ep 10. Solar Storms: The Threat to Planet Earth

In the tenth and final episode of Horizon season 1, titled "Solar Storms: The Threat to Planet Earth," viewers are presented with the startling possibility that a massive solar storm could hit Earth with devastating consequences. The episode explores the science behind solar flares and the potential impacts of a solar storm on our technology-dependent society.

Through interviews with experts in the field, viewers learn how the sun's activity could affect Earth's magnetic field and disrupt communication systems, power grids, and satellites. The potential consequences of such a disruption are far-reaching and could impact everything from air travel to financial markets.

As the program delves deeper into the topic, researchers discuss previous solar storms, including the Carrington Event of 1859, which caused telegraph lines to burst into flames and telegraph operators to receive electrical shocks. With modern technology much more dependent on electricity and communication systems, the impact of a similarly powerful solar storm could be catastrophic.

Viewers are introduced to scientists who are working to better understand solar activity and its potential impacts on Earth. The episode features footage of a space mission that aims to study and predict solar flares, as well as discussions with researchers who are studying the Earth's magnetic field and its interaction with the sun.

Throughout the episode, special attention is paid to the potential impacts on the power grid. Experts explain how a solar storm could overload transformers and cause massive blackouts, leaving entire regions without power for extended periods of time. The implications of such an outage are explored, including the potential for looting and civil unrest.

Despite the grim picture painted by the episode, the focus remains on finding solutions and mitigating the risks associated with a potential solar storm. Scientists and engineers discuss the development of new technology that could help protect critical infrastructure and systems, such as advanced warning systems and hardened transformers.

Overall, "Solar Storms: The Threat to Planet Earth" is a riveting and thought-provoking episode of Horizon that explores a very real, albeit often overlooked, threat to our modern way of life. By shedding light on this issue, the program raises awareness and encourages viewers to consider how we can prepare for and protect against a potential solar storm in the future.