TORONTO, May 16, 2024 – Canada is particularly susceptible to disruptions caused by extreme space weather and geomagnetic storms to some of its key, heavily relied on technology, such as power systems, GPS, satellites and cell phone service, but a $1.65 million grant will help train the next generation to devise solutions.

Through the () program, 91��ɫ Associate Professor will lead the Geomagnetic Disturbance in Modern Societies and Technological Infrastructures (GMD-MSTI) program.

These geomagnetic storms are the same disturbances that produce the colourful aurora borealis phenomenon or northern lights, but they also have a destructive capacity on navigation systems, radio signal and satellites, and can cause catastrophic failures and even complete blackouts in power grids.

“Since its founding, 91��ɫ has been a leader in global, interdisciplinary research that transcends sectors and borders,” said Rhonda Lenton, president and vice-chancellor of 91��ɫ. “We are immensely grateful to NSERCE-CREATE for this generous grant which will help our researchers advance our understanding of these disturbances and mitigate issues for the benefit of local and global communities.”

Designed to develop innovative, interdisciplinary training, the program focus will be on advanced modelling and analysis techniques to assess the impact of geomagnetic disturbances, such as solar storms brought on by changes in the solar winds, on critical technological infrastructure. It will also develop ways to effectively mitigate issues through strong intra-institutional and industrial collaboration.

Canada isn’t alone in this issue, but because of its geographical positioning in the high latitude region, it is one of the countries with the highest risk of disruption through extreme space weather or GMDs, potentially affecting people’s daily lives and having economic repercussions or health impacts.

“In contemporary societies, there's an intricate reliance on technologies that are vulnerable to extreme space weather and geomagnetic disturbances,” says Rezaei-Zare, Lassonde School of Engineering. “Given the interconnected nature of these technological systems, a singular malfunction can have a domino effect compromising the functionality of other vital infrastructures.”

Canada has incorporated GMD into its national risk profile, however, there is still a noticeable gap in specialized training programs to address a lack of skilled workers in these pertinent industrial sectors largely due to the interdisciplinary complexities of the phenomenon.

The ultimate objective of the GMD-MSTI program is to graduate highly qualified personnel with top-tier industrial and applied-academic research expertise to meet national and international demand for professionals in the fields of power systems, wireless communication, space missions and satellites, biomedical engineering and science, and policy.

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91��ɫ is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change and prepare our students for success. 91��ɫ's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. 91��ɫ’s campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future. 

Media Contact: 

Sandra McLean, 91��ɫ Media Relations, 416-272-6317, sandramc@yorku.ca 

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TORONTO, May 10, 2024 – At least five coronal mass ejections – bursts of plasma coming off the sun – have occurred recently prompting the first severe G4 Geomagnetic Storm Watch issued since January 2005, says 91��ɫ astronomy Professor Elaina Hyde. With all this activity, it’s possible people as far south as the GTA may be able to see the aurora borealis tonight or over the next few nights, especially if they seek out a less light polluted area.

“Yesterday, there were several strong flares as well as a sunspot cluster about 16 times greater than the diameter of the Earth, which would have been just barely visible using the same type of safe solar viewing glasses as used during the April 8th eclipse,” says Hyde, director of the Allan I. Carswell Observatory at 91��ɫ. “Our current solar cycle has only had three severe geomagnetic storms, one in March 2024, one in October 2003 and the current one.

“The October 2003 storm resulted in power outages in Sweden and damaged power transformers in South Africa. The rating for solar events goes from minor G1 events to major G5 events, so a G4 is near the top of the scale but not as big as the famous 1989 Quebec event which had a rating of about G5.”

Charged particles from the sun will be impacting Earth’s geomagnetic field which heightens the opportunity to witness the northern lights in Toronto, as long as the sky is clear.

Check the “aurora forecast” on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website for best areas to view it from: ��

Is there any danger this sun activity will fry satellites or power lines?

“This level of activity is not usually associated with major electrical events on Earth like sparking power discharges, the danger to satellites is much higher, but a similar storm did damage some power transformers in South Africa in 2003,” says Hyde, who is available to comment. “In particular satellites that require many corrections to avoid collisions could be at risk in particular communications or power blackouts would likely be our biggest risk.”

Best time to possibly view the aurora borealis tonight or over the next couple of nights:

British Columbia 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Alberta 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Saskatchewan 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Manitoba 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Ontario 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Quebec 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Maritimes 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.

Newfoundland 12:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m.

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