The Carrington Event reached its zenith on September 2, 1859, marking a significant solar storm event.

In the year 1859, a remarkable event occurred in the solar system that would leave a lasting impact on our planet. On September 1st, British astronomer Richard Carrington observed the first recorded solar flare, an event that would trigger a coronal mass ejection (CME) and lead to the largest geomagnetic storm in recorded history.

The CME reached Earth within 17.5 hours, causing widespread disruptions to telegraph systems worldwide. Sparks shot from the machines, and telegraph paper went up in smoke as the geomagnetic storm took its toll. Aurorae, typically confined to the polar regions, were observed as far south as the Caribbean and Central America.

Research into ice core samples suggests that the 1859 geomagnetic storm was at least twice as large as any other for the preceding 500 years. The intensity of the storm was equivalent to a G5 on the modern NOAA scale, the highest possible level. This event, now known as a Carrington-level event, could have catastrophic consequences on modern GPS, satellites, global communications, and power grids if it were to happen today.

Thankfully, modern infrastructure and forecasting capabilities help mitigate some risks associated with a Carrington-level event. Organisations like NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center can issue warnings for potential geomagnetic storms, allowing for preventive measures to be taken.

However, a recurrence of a Carrington-level event poses significant threats to technological systems. The infrastructure proved relatively resilient during the May 2024 geomagnetic storm, but a more intense event could lead to more severe consequences.

The 1859 geomagnetic storm serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of our modern technological systems. As we continue to advance and rely more heavily on technology, it becomes increasingly important to understand and prepare for such events. The lessons learned from the Carrington Event in 1859 can help us to better protect ourselves in the future.

The Carrington Event reached its zenith on September 2, 1859, marking a significant solar storm event.