Café Inquiry (Online) – The Recent Auroras Were Spectacular. But…

This event is held online. (Click the button to join the Zoom meeting.)

Over the weekend of May 10, we experienced a level G5 geomagnetic storm triggered by a coronal mass ejection from the sun. This event produced auroras visible as far south as Puerto Rico and parts of Central America. It also brought to mind the much larger G5 storm of 1859 known as the Carrington Event. The relative lack of technology at the time limited the impact of this event. But a similar-sized event today, or an even larger one, could create worldwide devastation. At the next Café Inquiry we’ll discuss the likelihood of such an occurrence, its likely impact on society, and what we’re doing to minimize the damage. This article from Space.com and this one from Astronomy magazine describe the Carrington Event and the potential impact of a similar-sized or larger event today. This article from Forbes and this one from Space.com talk about preparations for such events. The National Weather Service gives some preparation tips for extreme solar events. And finally, Fraser Cain of Universe Today takes a somewhat lighthearted look at the subject. Join us ONLINE as we discuss this fascinating and scary topic!

Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.

This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.

Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.

Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.

—

Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.

Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.

Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.