Space storms disrupt train signals.
A modeling analysis by C. J. Patterson and colleagues shows that space storms, or geomagnetic disruptions, can interfere with electrical currents used to detect trains and send stop signals, potentially endangering passengers and freight. The study found that a strong enough space storm to disrupt railway signals occurs about once every 30 years along two modeled U.K. railway lines, and more extreme storms expected to occur once every 100 years can disrupt nearly all signals along both lines. The findings can help assess the vulnerability of trains to cosmic geomagnetic disruptions and raise awareness among operators.