Geomagnetic storms and solar flares, explained | JUST THE FAQS

What is the distance between the sun and Earth where the solar storm originates?

• 930 million miles

• 9.3 million miles

• 93 million miles

• 93,000 miles

What is the time taken for a CME to reach Earth after the burst of energy from the sun?

• 1-5 days

• 5-10 days

• 10-15 days

• 15-20 days

What is the time taken for a solar flare to reach Earth after the burst of energy from the sun?

• 1 week

• 1 day

• 1 hour

• 8 minutes

What causes the colorful auroras in the sky?

• Particles interacting with atmospheric gases

• Particles interacting with water vapor

• Particles interacting with dust particles

• Particles interacting with clouds

What was the impact of the 1859 Carrington Event on telegraphs?

• Temporary disruption

• Complete destruction

• No impact

• Permanent damage

What is the estimated potential cost of a solar storm of the magnitude of the 1859 Carrington Event today?

• $2 trillion

• $3 trillion

• $1 trillion

• $500 billion