>[!abstract] >The Carrington Event was a massive solar storm that struck Earth in September 1859, caused by a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the Sun colliding with Earth’s magnetosphere. It produced spectacular auroras visible near the equator and severely disrupted telegraph systems, with sparks reportedly shocking operators and igniting fires. Considered the most powerful geomagnetic storm on record, it illustrates the potential vulnerability of technological infrastructure to extreme space weather. In a modern context, a Carrington-scale event could disrupt satellites, power grids, navigation, and communication systems globally, making it a key reference point in space weather risk assessment and preparedness. >[!related] >- **North** (upstream): [[Space weather]] >- **West** (similar): [[Quebec blackout of 1989]] >- **East** (different): [[Quiet Sun period]] >- **South** (downstream): [[Geomagnetically induced currents]]