Solar Storms Pose Safety Threat to Trains by Disrupting Signals
Solar storms have the potential to disrupt train safety by interfering with railroad signals, according to a study. The powerful eruptions from the sun can cause electrical signaling stations to switch from red (stop) to green (go), potentially leading to accidents during peak train-travel times. The study focused on two UK railroad routes but highlighted that other jurisdictions worldwide have been impacted by past solar storms. The researchers emphasized the need for the rail sector to be included in planning for mitigating the risks posed by space weather events.