Space weather is a general term describing conditions in space that affect the Earth and our technological systems. Geomagnetic storms, which can not only cripple the electrical grid but also corrode oil and gas pipelines, are only one aspect of space weather.
Solar flares can disrupt radio communication, aviation communication, and navigation, and they can interfere with the GPS signals used in our positioning and timing technologies.
One perhaps under-addressed risk is a cascading interruption in energy supply. Even a short-term electrical power outage can create a shortage in oil supply because oil refineries depend on electrical power from the grid. A refinery can take up to several days to recover from an electric power outage.
Most space-weather events originate at the Sun and are a consequence of its magnetic outbursts. The Sun's magnetic activity is periodic, with a peak in activity approximately every 11 years. For several years surrounding this peak, the chance of solar storms is much higher. We are currently in Cycle 24, with a predicted peak in June 2013.
This means that from now until 2017 or so, we should be on alert for strong solar flares and large coronal-mass ejections. Historically, the strongest storms happen during the decline of the solar cycle, so the period from 2013 through 2017 may pose the largest risk.
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