NASA Reveals Space Weather Threat is as Dangerous as Tornadoes and Other Natural Disasters

Tornadoes and hurricanes can cause devastating impacts on our planet, causing millions of dollars-worth of damage while destroying homes and lives. Now, though, NASA has announced that there's another, lesser-known threat we should be aware of. The space agency has said that severe space weather could be as devastating as serious tornadoes and other natural disasters.

The public pays little attention to solar flares, geomagnetic storms and other conditions that are lumped into the relatively broad category of "space weather," according to Florida Today. Yet a recent conference sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) highlighted the importance of monitoring this type of weather in space. These types of phenomena have the potential to cause massive power outages, radio blackouts and satellite malfunctions. In addition, telecommunications, GPS navigation, banking, finance and transportation could all be affected, according to Florida Today.

"This conference shines a spotlight on another naturally occurring phenomenon that can be just as punishing as a tornado-space weather," stated NASA chief Charles Bolden in his written remarks for the conference, according to Space.com. "Given the growing importance of space to our nation's economic well being and security, it is of increasing importance that NASA and its partner agencies continue to advance our nation's capability to understand and predict space weather events."

It's not surprising that this conference is occurring. Our sun's activity, which can cause this kind of space weather, is heating up as it reaches the peak of its 11-year solar cycle this year. Already, the sun has slung four X-class solar flares into the depths of space in just 48 hours this year. While the flares weren't directed at Earth, though, they show the potential for an Earth-directed event that could impact our planet.

Yet the radiation that space weather produces doesn't only affect people on Earth. It could also impact space travelers. If NASA or other private organizations hope to send someone to Mars, they need to learn more about space weather and how to predict it in order to make transportation safe.

"Space weather is a problem that crosses all borders and demands input from our international counterparts," said Bolden.

Bolden plans to speak at the 56^th session of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space in Vienna, Austria next week. The UN committee has added space weather as a topic for discussion, which means that Bolden may have the platform he needs in order to gather the attention that the issue deserves.