Carol Rifelj Faculty Lecture Series

“Wild Sun! A Drama in Three Acts” - Lecture by Rich Wolfson, Benjamin F. Wissler Professor of Physics

A 1967 solar flare nearly triggered a nuclear war, as the resulting geomagnetic disturbance confused the United States’ early warning radars. Today, our technological civilization relies on myriad vital systems—both in space and on the ground—that are vulnerable to solar outbursts. Understanding the Sun is no longer a matter of scientific curiosity; rather, it’s essential to the smooth running of our society and maybe even to our survival. This talk will give an overview of solar activity and the “space weather” it generates. I’ll begin at the Sun and end at Earth. You’ll come away with a greater appreciation for the very intimate connection between our star and our planet.