SOLAR+GRID BLACKOUT-GIC DEFIN TOO

[john186292]

HI,
This current onslaught of protons...

Is the usa grid safe .. or maybe even merely just safER ... when usa is on the nightside of the planet?
I am thinking that since the earth mag field is all connected, what makes it "bounce" on the dayside may communicate the motion over to the nightside too.

Is my local grid safe after six pm?
GIC DEFINITION? Does the word "ground" mean the current begins in the soil? I thought current got induced in the long transmission lines. One article seemed to mean the "grounding" downpath from power lines. "when the grounds at transformers cannot function due to igneous rocks, surges cause problems." (my rough paraphuase).
IN SHORT does the current begin in the power lines or the soil?

ANY MORE FACTS ABOUT HOW GEOMAG STORMS NIX MY LOCAL UTILITY, would be MUCH APPRECIATED. Like, at what Kp level can I relax?
THANK YOU A LOT,
john in new orleans, usually seen on the Tropics forum

[opera ghost]

The USA grid has been holding up admirably- they have been adjusting as the solar storms hit without any interruption in service so far. While it isn't impossible for there to be additional problems- they really shouldn't be expected at this time and they are very improbable.

Current begins at the power plant John. Think of the third prong on your standard safety plug when you think of grounding. That third prong is there to "ground" electrical current that gets out of hand- literally sending it into the ground, usually beneath your home where it dies a dirty death since the ground is not conductive. Grounding is also used in powerlines in the same fashion- safety. Current is conducted through the power lines form the plant to homes and bussinesses like water goes through a pipe line.

Igneous rock are rocks formed by melting matter below the surface of the earth- the melding of the particals being done by the rise in temperature and pressure until molten. (Think Lava with me... but thats only one of many many igneous rocks) I'm not sure what igneous rocks have to do with grounding power lines- but they may mean that they are conductive rocks so it isn't safe to ground the line. When you don't have gounding they're right- surging can be a problem- bringing down powerlines. It's not really a common problem that people like us have to worry about.

In short- Don't worry, be happy! Seriously though- relax right now- you're not in serious danger of a blackout or anything of the sort, and on the unprobable chance that it does occur- stressing out now will not help you out then

[john186292]

Hi Opera,
thanks for the nice reply.
PS I thought grounded current was attracted into the ground because the soil actually does conduct the electrons. Can you clarify?
PS malmo sweden had a grid go down due to the GIC. no details so far.
see space.com for brief mention of it.

Wonder why the earth's soil is always short of electrons? The solar wind keeps pouring on protons and electrons, and i wonder what the balance is inside the wind. Lightning keep pouring electrons into the soil.

Lots of users over in Houston, it seems.

Me, i am in new orleans
John