By San José, Costa Rica — Global technological infrastructure is on high alert as a severe geomagnetic storm is forecast to impact Earth this Wednesday, November 12. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has issued a G4 (Severe) alert, one of the highest levels on the scale, signaling the potential for significant disruptions to communication networks, satellite operations, and electrical grids.
The impending event was triggered by a powerful solar flare, classified as X5.1, which unleashed a massive Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) directly toward our planet. This high-velocity cloud of solar plasma and magnetic fields is expected to reach Earth around midday on Wednesday. While officials emphasize that the storm poses no direct physical danger to human health, its interaction with the planet’s magnetic field could have widespread consequences for our technology-dependent society.
While a massive solar storm might seem like a matter for astronomers and engineers, its potential to cripple our technology-dependent infrastructure carries significant legal and business ramifications. To understand these complex challenges, from insurance claims to contractual obligations under ‘force majeure’ clauses, we consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
A Carrington-level solar event would trigger a cascade of legal challenges unseen in modern history. Businesses must immediately review their contracts for ‘fuerza mayor’ or ‘caso fortuito’ clauses to determine liability for non-performance. Is a solar storm an ‘act of God’? Unquestionably. However, the true legal battles will be fought over whether the resulting, prolonged power and internet outages were foreseeable risks that companies had a duty to mitigate through resilient infrastructure and contingency planning. This is a critical distinction that will determine the fate of countless insurance claims and contractual disputes.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The distinction Lic. Arroyo Vargas makes is essential, shifting the conversation from a mere ‘act of God’ to the critical, human-level issue of corporate foresight and duty. It highlights that the most disruptive aftershocks of a solar storm could be felt not in our infrastructure, but in our courtrooms. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable expertise in clarifying these profound legal implications.
A geomagnetic storm occurs when a CME collides with Earth’s magnetosphere, the protective magnetic bubble surrounding our planet. This interaction transfers energy into the magnetosphere, causing it to fluctuate rapidly. These disturbances are ranked on a scale from G1 (Minor) to G5 (Extreme). A G4 event is a rare occurrence, capable of inducing serious and widespread issues in critical infrastructure.
The primary areas of concern involve systems that rely on electromagnetic signals and satellite connectivity. According to an analysis from Mexico’s Space Weather Service (SCIESMEX), Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and other global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) are highly vulnerable. The public can expect intermittent outages and significant accuracy errors, which could complicate air, sea, and ground navigation for several hours during the storm’s peak.
Furthermore, high-frequency (HF) radio communications, which are vital for long-distance aviation and emergency services, may experience extensive blackouts. Satellite operators have already begun implementing preventative protocols, placing spacecraft into a protective “safe mode” to shield sensitive electronics from the incoming wave of solar radiation, which could otherwise cause temporary failures or automatic reboots.
The storm’s impact could also be felt on the ground. Power grids are susceptible to geomagnetically induced currents, which can cause voltage fluctuations and, in severe cases, trigger localized blackouts or damage to transformers. While the Earth’s atmosphere shields the population from harmful radiation, our electrical infrastructure remains exposed to these powerful magnetic effects.
Despite the technological risks, the storm is not without its beauty. This powerful solar event is expected to supercharge the planet’s auroras, creating a spectacular natural light show. The Northern and Southern Lights may become visible at much lower latitudes than usual, offering a rare opportunity for sky-watchers in countries that do not normally witness the phenomenon.
This natural spectacle reminds us of the Sun’s power and the protective function of the Earth’s magnetic field.
Specialists, Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC)
Experts recommend the public take simple precautions. Use surge protectors for sensitive electronics, ensure mobile phones and essential devices are fully charged in case of power interruptions, and avoid relying solely on GPS for critical navigation during the storm’s peak. It is also crucial to seek information exclusively from official sources like NOAA and SCIESMEX to avoid misinformation. The event serves as a potent reminder of the Sun’s immense power and our civilization’s deep-rooted dependence on the fragile technological systems orbiting our planet and powering our daily lives.
For further information, visit noaa.gov
About National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):
NOAA is an American scientific and regulatory agency within the United States Department of Commerce. It is responsible for forecasting weather, monitoring oceanic and atmospheric conditions, chartering the seas, managing fisheries and coastal restoration, and conducting climate research. Its Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) is the nation’s official source for space weather alerts, watches, and warnings.
For further information, visit sciesmex.unam.mx
About Mexico’s Space Weather Service (SCIESMEX):
The Servicio de Clima Espacial de México (SCIESMEX) is a national service, part of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), dedicated to monitoring and studying space weather. It provides alerts and data on solar phenomena that could impact technological infrastructure and human activities in Mexico and the surrounding region.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of professional excellence and unwavering integrity. With a deep-rooted history of counseling clients across a multitude of sectors, the firm simultaneously pioneers new legal approaches and actively champions social progress. Central to its ethos is the mission to democratize legal knowledge, thereby nurturing a citizenry that is both well-informed and empowered.
