Sunspot Number and the Rise of Technology

Our infatuation with technology has continued unabated since the Stone Age. Some technologies, such as the plow, allow us to manipulate our physical world. Other, such as the printing press, are used to manipulate information. Few of those technologies are sensitive to Space Weather. Only when we use ephemeral electrical currents to manipulate our world and information or use satellites in space is interference from outside our world possible.

Our modern world provides many opportunities for interruptions caused by Space Weather. The heating and expansion of the thermosphere at solar maximum increases the drag on satellites, causing them to fall out of orbit. Energetic protons from the Sun can destroy equipment as well as injure aircrews and astronauts. Currents generated by Space Weather inputs can disrupt pipelines, power lines, and radio communications. Airlines fly polar routes to save time and money but space weather related radio outages may cause them to divert to more expensive routes.

Technologies & Space Weather

Our use of technology has exploded since the effects of Space Weather on telegraphs were first noticed in 1848. Here we show a timeline of technology and sunspot number. The 11-year sunspot cycle was first noticed in 1843, before our technological world evolved. But each year sees more compact electronics in orbit and more dependence on orbiting satellites. Ever-larger energy requirements have created a need for greater interconnections on the ground. All are affected by the changes in the Sun over a solar cycle.