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 new insight or understanding did you gain from this video?