The Solar Storm That Almost Started World War III

In 1967, a massive solar storm disrupted radar systems designed to detect Soviet missile launches, nearly triggering a nuclear conflict. The Sun, composed of plasma, can release energy in solar storms, affecting Earth. The Ballistic Missile Early Warning System (BMEWS) mistook solar radio waves for jamming, indicating a potential Soviet attack. However, NORAD's solar forecasters correctly identified the solar storm, preventing a nuclear response. This event highlights the importance of understanding space science. The episode concludes with acknowledgments to supporters.

What is the primary composition of the Sun that leads to solar storms?

• Gas

• Rock

• Plasma

• Ice

What phenomenon occurs when charged particles from the Sun interact with Earth's atmosphere?

• Solar Eclipse

• Aurora Borealis

• Lunar Eclipse

• Meteor Shower

What was the frequency of the radio waves from the Sun that interfered with the BMEWS radar?

• 440 megahertz

• 550 megahertz

• 330 megahertz

• 220 megahertz

What was the potential consequence of misinterpreting the solar storm as an act of war?

• A space mission launch

• A diplomatic meeting

• A nuclear counterattack

• A global economic crisis

How did NORAD prevent a nuclear catastrophe during the 1967 solar storm?

• By correctly identifying the solar storm

• By launching a counterattack

• By contacting the Soviet Union

• By ignoring the radar signals