A study by Lancaster University (United Kingdom), presented at the recent UK National Astronomy Conference, reveals that solar storms can disrupt signals indicating trains are moving on the tracks.
According to physicist Cameron Patterson from Lancaster University, such space weather phenomena can generate electrical currents that interfere with the normal functioning of alarm signal systems, causing them to switch from green (no trains moving) to red (trains passing by) even when no trains are nearby.
Solar storms may threaten the operation of railway systems worldwide – (Photo: WIRED)
In the railway industry, signals indicating whether a train is moving are positioned by a device attached to a “block” of track. Each block is 1-2 km long.
If no trains are moving, the signal will turn green. Conversely, a red signal alerts the crossing guard and the public when a train is passing.
According to the website Phys.org, technological issues with the railway signaling system can occur as a result of solar storms of varying intensities, ranging from moderate storms with an electric field strength of 2V/km to strong storms at 4V/km.
“Most of us have at some point heard announcements like ‘your train is delayed due to a signal failure.’ Some people believe that the cause of the train movement signal is due to rain, snow, or fallen leaves on the track. However, solar storms could be another potential cause,” the newspaper The Independent quoted physicist Cameron Patterson speaking at the conference.
According to Newsweek, researchers at Lancaster University are investigating the impact of solar storms on railway lines from Preston to Lancaster and Glasgow to Edinburgh (United Kingdom).
“Currently, we are studying the case of a train moving on a track when a solar storm suddenly strikes. We will then assess how strong a solar storm needs to be to switch the signal from red to green and vice versa,” Dr. Cameron Patterson shared.
According to NASA, solar storms are phenomena that emit mass and energy from the surface of the Sun. Solar storms can last from a few minutes to several hours.
Signs warning of a solar storm include: solar flares, bright spots emitted from the Sun, sunspots (dark areas on the surface of the Sun), and radiation bursts.
During solar maximum, solar activity and the effects of space weather on our terrestrial environment are significantly heightened.
