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NotAnotherEmpire t1_ixkjs1f wrote

A solar flare mostly harms large systems, not small ones. So much of the user equipment would be fine, certainly if unplugged during the warning time.

The problem would be the electric grid and other large legs. Also satellites are likely to be fried.

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Sidoplanka t1_ixll1bk wrote

Why would it harm larger systems and not smaller?

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NotAnotherEmpire t1_ixlpggf wrote

An electromagnetic storm does its damage by inducing current. This is primarily damaging to long lines and their transformers.

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Sidoplanka t1_ixlpujn wrote

And why wouldn't that damage the smaller systems?

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Nytonial t1_ixlxsqb wrote

Solar flare x 50km of overhead cable = 50,000 volt spike

Solar flare x 3mm of phone PCB trace = 0.03v spike

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