How a solar storm could trigger a US nuclear disaster worse than Chernobyl

On May 14, 1921, a powerful solar storm—later dubbed the "New York Railroad Storm"—lit up the night sky with vivid auroras as far south as New York City.

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On May 14, 1921, a powerful solar storm—later dubbed the "New York Railroad Storm"—lit up the night sky with vivid auroras as far south as New York City. While spectators marveled at the unusual spectacle, the storm had dangerous consequences. The following morning, excess electric currents disabled the New York Central Railroad's signal system in Manhattan, halting trains and sparking a fire in a control tower at Park Avenue and 57th Street. Smoke blanketed several city blocks, causing nearby residents to cough and choke on toxic fumes.

This event serves as a historical warning: solar storms can wreak havoc on Earth's electrical infrastructure. When solar storms reach Earth, their charged particles create geomagnetic storms, inducing electric currents in ground systems—particularly vulnerable power grids. A storm as strong as the 1921 event, or stronger, could trigger a prolonged collapse of modern electrical networks, disabling communication, transportation, and crucial systems across nations.