NEMESIS OF THE TECHNOLOGICAL WORLD

NEMESIS OF THE TECHNOLOGICAL WORLD

THE REALITY OF EMP ATTACKS

BY MAN OR NATURE

In 1859 America was hit by an EMP (ELECTRO-MAGNETIC PULSE) attack from the sun. We survived because we had little technology to lose. Today such an attack would be devastating beyond belief. Society would literally shut down.

Today, nuclear weapons can be reconfigured to be EMP weapons. They are harder to shoot down than regular nuclear weapons. They also need very little accuracy since they can cover wide areas by exploding in the upper atmosphere. Meanwhile, modern defense contractors like Boeing are working on non-nuclear EMP weapons.

Particularly threatening is the possibility of an enemy state placing a weapon on a satellite with a southern trajectory over the US. US ABM and warning systems are all aimed north due to the legacy of the Cold War. Here is a map of what could happen.

SOLAR FLARES: A WEAPON OF NATURE

Though there is no doubt that earth has been experiencing sporadic solar flares since the beginning of time, the first-known and largest recorded instance occurred in 1859. A massive burst of solar wind and magnetic energy was released into space, and sent hurling directly toward earth. Starting on August 28, 1859, the solar storm continued to impact earth until September 3rd of the same year. The events were recorded by an English astronomer named Richard C. Carrington. Days before and during the time that the solar carnage was unleashed, sunspots and flares were visible on the sun. On September 1st, the largest flare was recorded, an eruption that sent detrimental solar winds and magnetic energy through the atmosphere and straight down to earth. The journey for these types of energies usually takes about three to four days to complete, but depending on the frequency and severity of the occurrence, primary solar flares can pave the way for stronger ones to follow soon after. During this solar flare, telecommunications were dramatically impacted. Telegraph systems in Europe and North America were affected, sometimes even to the extent of literally shocking the telegraph operators.

This year, in April, NASA documented the largest solar flare of the year - a reminder to us all that the threat is still very real and if anything, more intense given our current damaged atmosphere and epidemic of global warming.

GOVERNMENT AWARENESS AND NATIONAL PREPARATION

Instead of being skeptical and worrying about where, when or if an attack will occur, Americans need to focus on preparation, as the chances for an attack are always increasing. We may believe that we are capable of monitoring the actions of other armed countries, but no form of technology can properly predict the will of nature.

Government officials have rightfully decided to pay more attention to the EMP situation, initiating more action as far as devising a plan that will at least keep the lights on in this country. A solar flare has the capability of completely wiping out the power grid for any given area for up to two years. With a nation consistently distracted and dependent on technology, there is no debate that we would be crippled in a number of ways. House officials are proposing that the government provide surge protectors and power grid-saving devices to citizens, that would at the very least serve as a temporary back-up in case of a solar emergency. This a true necessity, as it is not just residential electricity that would be affected. Electronic banking systems, security devices, and health care technology would become dangerously obsolete.

The EMP Commission was established to assess the dangers of EMP attacks in the U.S. and is also responsible for analyzing all outcomes and forms of preparation.

Report of the Commission to Assess the Threat of the United States from EMP Attack [PDF File]

The above report is a document released from the EMP Commission that details important infrastructures of the country ranging from power grids, to aircrafts, food, and agricultural systems, etc. and discusses how these systems would be affected in the event of an electromagnetic pulse disaster. The vulnerability of each of these key systems is weighed out and analyzed. It also offers various proposals for how to assess these issues in a state of emergency.

Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack

The Electromagnetic Pulse Commission Warns of an Old Threat With a New Face

Commission Finds U.S. Vulnerable to Electromagnetic Pulse Attack

NON-NUCLEAR ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE

Another threat that the nation must become aware of is a close descendent of the original electromagnetic pulse. A new weapon, sometimes referred to as an "E-bomb" has been successfully devised: a non-nuclear EMP. Completely man-made, this weapon is not one of nuclear warfare, and it is not considered lethal in the way that we might think. However, it is designed to disable electronics systems on a widespread scale - which would, in fact, be lethal to most nations of earth. It is a composition of microwaves that are directed to wipe out electronics at a specific location. Such an attack in the wrong hands would wreak havoc to no degree, forcing those affected back into an age of darkness and simplicity - an era that most people would not be able to survive in without necessary preparation and skill development. The Boeing company has mastered the creation of these non-nuclear weapons, claiming that their invention "marks a new era day in modern-day warfare." Is this a development that anybody should be proud of, or just another form of scare tactic to be adopted by any country ready to unleash pandemonium?