Q
What caused the Carrington Event?
A
Expert Answer
The 1859 solar storm, the most intense geomagnetic storm in recorded history, was caused by a massive coronal mass ejection hitting Earth's magnetosphere. It shocked telegraph operators and created auroras in tropical regions. A similar event today could cause trillions in damage to modern infrastructure.
Key Insight
The 1859 solar storm, the most intense geomagnetic storm in recorded history, was caused by a massive coronal mass ejection hitting Earth's magnetosphere.
Topics