A solar sail may soon shield the Earth against solar storms. The sail will be stationed between the Earth and the Sun and will give warnings of solar storms that cause serious damage to phone networks, satellites and power grids. The sail will be hoisted on a lightweight spacecraft to be positioned 3.2 million km from the Earth in 2003. Titled Geostorms, a project of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Washington, DC. "Positioning a craft beyond the liberation point, where the gravitational pull of the Earth and the Sun are equal, is very energy-intensive," says Patricia Mulligan, manager of Geostorms, adding: "A solar sail would allow us to keep that position." The tiny pressure of solar winds will keep the sails stiff, like the sails of a boat, and maintain the strategic position of the spacecraft.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.