Insatisfecho con la respuesta, yo lo pregunté acerca de un estudio financió por NASA y conducido por la Academia Nacional de Ciencias. El estudio se llama Acontecimientos Severos de Tiempo Espacial—Comprendiendo los Impactos Sociales y Económicos. El informe concluye que una grande tormenta solar comparable al que ocurrió en 1859, lleva el potencial de dañar gravemente la cuadrícula eléctrica norteamericana y que un apagón a largo plazo tendría un efecto aplastante en la estructura de la sociedad.

Después de ser enfrentado con la información, David me dijo que el se concuerda con lo que dice el estudio. ¡Que va! Al principio me dio a entender que solo tendrían que preocuparse los astronautas y algunos pilotos. Luego yo supe que tal evento puede ser el fin del mundo como lo conocemos (un detalle pequeñito) y el gobierno quisiera que el público no se alarma excesivamente. Ya sabíamos que no se puede depender en el gobierno. Pero imagínese sin teléfono, sin la electricidad o conveniencia moderna y ninguna garantía inmediata de alivio. ¿Que mas? ¿Zombis? Puede ser.

En una tormenta geomagnética de gran magnitud estamos expuestos a la radiación intensa. Ademas, existen datos que indican que hay un alto correlación entre la actividad solar y alzamientos y guerras civiles. Así que para algunas personas que son predispuesto al crimen y enfermedad mental, la combinación del los efectos de la tormenta con el hambre y la retirada química producirían efectos psicológicos significativos. Considera la posibilidad que la gente mas degenerada girarían a medios depredadores de supervivencia. Supongo que el resultado es igual a la transformación en un zombie que se ha perdido razón y que no le importa el bienestar del otras personas. Eso no quiere decir que se van inmediatamente al canibalismo… pero ¿quien sabe? Así que para todos los fanáticos del género de los zombies, aquí está su momento. ¡Los Zombies tiene que ser parados!

Hay que prepararse bien y saber lo que hacer en cada tipo de emergencias. Me parece muy sabio guardar extra alimentos y agua por tal ocasiones y ser capaz de defenderse. Sobretodo, conozca a sus vecinos y esté listo para ayudar. Ame a su vecino y esté listo para compartir, (apenas no sus cerebros) y si hay zombis, no te olvides el doble-golpe

Solar Flares and the Zombie Apocalypse

In recent weeks we have seen the people of Japan endure a series of disasters with a level of dignity and honor that is uniquely Japanese. Unlike other cultures, they do not riot, loot or otherwise compromise ethics for self preservation or personal gain in a post disaster environment. Let’s hope that in the following scenario, Americans would follow the example of the Japanese. Otherwise, you may want to prepare for a solar-powered zombie apocalypse! Zombie fans… this one is for you!

After a recent solar flare event this February, almost every major news network aired special segments explaining how scientists are warning of a ‘global Katrina’ caused by geomagnetic storms from intense solar flare activity. Nearly a month before this happened, my own research led me to a conversation with NASA scientist Dr. David Sibeck, a mission scientist for the agency and the “Living with a Star “Geospace program. I asked David for an update on his 2008 statement that said “we are in for a tough time in the next 11 years”. David told me that no change was expected in the space forecast and that the current solar cycle would be intense, peaking in 2013. But when I asked if people should be concerned, his answer was incomplete.

The things that are threatened by space weather effects are:astronauts spacecraft, precision GPS navigation short wave radio communications, specially over the North Pole.”

Unsatisfied with this response, I asked him about a NASA funded study by the National Academy of Sciences called Severe Space Weather Events—Understanding Societal and Economic Impacts. The report concludes that a large solar storm comparable to that which occurred in 1859, carries the potential of seriously damaging the North American electrical power grid and that a long-term blackout will have a very profound effect on the very fabric of society.

After being confronted with this information David responded to the information saying “I generally agree with everything in this paper.” Seriously? At first he led me to believe that ‘it’s mainly astronauts and pilots that need to be worried. Now I find out that he withheld one tiny detail which is that such an event could be the end of the world as we know it and the US government just wants to keep the public from becoming overly alarmed. We already know that we shouldn’t depend on the government to take care of us. But imagine yourself with no cellphone, electricity or other modern convenience with no guarantee of relief. What’s next? Zombies? Maybe so.

In a large geomagnetic storm, we are exposed to intense x-rays. Futhermore, some scientists have produced data that shows a strong correlation between solar activity and civil wars as well as political upheaval. So for some people who are predisposed to crime and mental illness, the combination of the suns effects with starvation and even chemical withdrawal could cause serious psychological impact. Consider that some of the more degenerate elements of society would turn to predatory means of survival. I suppose the result would be a transformation into something like a zombie that has lost all reason and has no regard for the wellbeing of others. I’m not saying they will immediately turn into cannibals but who knows? So for all out fans of the zombie apocalypse film genre, this could be your moment. The zombies must be stopped!

What we should take away from all of this is that must be well prepared and know what to do in all emergencies. I think it’s wise to keep extra food and water on hand along as well as be able to defend yourself. Over all my best advice is to know your neighbor and be ready to help. Love your neighbor and be ready to share, (just not your brains) and in case of zombie apocalypse, don’t forget the double-tap!