Solar Storms Pose Potential Threat to Railway Signals, Study Reveals

A new study conducted by researchers at Lancaster University in the UK has found that solar storms, known as geomagnetic storms, could potentially disrupt rail signaling systems, leading to malfunctions and even collisions. The study focused on two electrified rail routes in the UK and found that geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) could cause rail signals to switch from red to green, creating a "wrong side" failure scenario. Previous research had already shown that space weather could cause signals to switch from green to red. The study highlights the need for rail operators to be aware of these vulnerabilities and prepare for potential impacts from space weather events.