Carrington Event

Definition

The Carrington Event was a powerful geomagnetic storm in 1859, caused by a massive solar flare. It disrupted telegraph systems worldwide and produced vivid auroras.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Carrington Event is the most powerful geomagnetic storm on record.
2. It was observed by British astronomer Richard Carrington when he saw a large solar flare.
3. The event caused widespread disruptions in telegraph services, some of which even caught fire.
4. Auroras were visible as far south as the Caribbean during the Carrington Event.
5. If a similar event occurred today, it could severely impact electrical grids, satellites, and communication networks.

Review Questions

• Who observed the solar flare that led to the naming of the Carrington Event?
• What were some of the immediate effects of the Carrington Event on Earth?
• Why would a modern-day recurrence of an event like the Carrington Event be concerning?

Related terms

Solar Flare: A sudden eruption of intense high-energy radiation from the sun's surface.

Geomagnetic Storm: A temporary disturbance of Earth's magnetosphere caused by solar wind shock waves and magnetic fields.

Aurora: A natural light display in Earth's sky predominantly seen in high-latitude regions around the Arctic and Antarctic.