How and why do solar storms threaten train traffic?

Solar storms are not only dangerous for communication systems and satellites: they can also pose a threat to train traffic, increasing the risk of accidents. This conclusion was reached by scientists from Lancaster University, who published their research in the scientific journal Space Weather.

Powerful solar emissions can cause magnetic storms, interfering with electronic signal stations on railroad tracks. This interference can even switch railroad signs from a stop sign to a go signal and vice versa.

While changing a signal from green to red, for example, may only cause a moving train to stop, doing the opposite could lead to a serious disaster.

Scientists note that risks to rail systems and other infrastructure could be particularly high during the peak of the 11-year solar activity cycle.

The study modeled two UK rail routes: the Preston-Lancaster section of the West Coast Main Line and the Glasgow-Edinburgh line. It has been found that even weak solar storms can cause errors in electronic train control systems, and such situations can occur at least once every few decades.

Note that, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the so-called “solar maximum” in the current 11-year cycle is expected from January to October 2024. Interestingly, scientists previously believed that the peak should be expected only in 2025, but it seems that this will happen even earlier.

It is believed that timely prediction of the peak of solar activity is of great importance for developing precautionary measures and protecting electronic systems from possible failures.