Earth’s Radiation Belts “Fully Charged” As Next Solar Storm Could Spark Particle Precipitation

The Van Allen radiation belts are massive, doughnut-shaped regions of charged particles trapped by Earth’s magnetic field. When the Sun blasts Earth with strong solar wind or solar storms, energetic particles are injected into these belts, increasing their overall energy levels.

Now, the Van Allen radiation belts are “fully charged,” according to space weather observer Stefan Burns. He warns that these belts of energetic particles have been building up due to repeated solar storms over the past few months.

“The next solar storm to hit could cause this plasma to precipitate downward toward the planet’s upper atmosphere,” Burns said.

Earth’s radiation belts are FULLY CHARGED after repeated solar wind and solar storm impacts over the last couple months. Next solar storm to hit will cause this plasma to “precipitate” down towards the planet’s surface pic.twitter.com/6GUfJCMPvY

— Stefan Burns (@StefanBurnsGeo) December 29, 2025

The effects of intense solar storms are particularly significant for satellites, GPS, radio communications, and space operations, where disruptions can occur.

With growing discussion around space-based data centers and rapidly expanding satellite internet constellations, the question arises: can a modern society built on fragile semiconductors withstand repeated X-class solar flares or a Carrington-class coronal mass ejection?

Related:

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• As AI Booms, US Ignores One Threat That Could Turn Off Everything
• Ancient Solar Storm Discovered In Tree Rings Reveals ‘Catastrophic’ Event 14,000 Years Ago

Will data centers in low-Earth orbit be able to withstand Carrington-class coronal mass ejections?