Many solar flares are expected to hit Earth in 2012 and 2013 but
are those warnings just another Y2K? Back in 1999, people around
the world were fearful of just what was going to happen on
January 1st, 2000. Most thought the digital clocks would shut
down, erasing our bank statements, setting off classified
missiles, and creating pandemonium the likes of which we’d never
seen. On the morning of January 1st, 2000, the world woke up to
discover—nothing. And much like the apocalyptic disappointment
on that day, the solar flares set to hit Earth last week barely
made a ripple in our magnetic field. Image Source: NASA Despite
the let-down, experts continue to goad the public, promising
more solar flares to come during the sun’s 11-year storm cycle.
Not only should we anticipate some communication errors, popular
terrestrial radio might be affected. For those of us who are
frequent fliers, NASA has recommended the use of alternative
flight paths in areas where the flares are destined to rain
down. Last week’s bough