May 1921 geomagnetic storm
An exceptionally powerful geomagnetic storm that stuck the Earth from 13-15 May 1921 / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The three-day May 1921 geomagnetic storm, also known as the New York Railroad Storm, was caused by the impact of an extraordinarily powerful coronal mass ejection on Earth's magnetosphere. It occurred on 13–15 May as part of solar cycle 15, and was the most intense geomagnetic storm of the 20th century.[1]
Quick Facts Type, Formed ...
Type | Geomagnetic storm |
---|---|
Formed | 13 May 1921 (1921-05-13) |
Dissipated | 15 May 1921 (1921-05-15) |
Damage | Substantial damage to overhead and underwater telegraph equipment; electrical fires |
Power outages | Localized electric grid interruptions |
Areas affected | Worldwide |
Part of Solar cycle 15 |
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Since it occurred before the extensive interconnectivity of electrical systems and the general electrical dependence of infrastructure in the developed world, its effect was restricted; however, its ground currents were up to an order of magnitude greater than those of the March 1989 geomagnetic storm which interrupted electrical service to large parts of northeastern North America.[2]