The Murchison Widefield Array radio telescope

[Karlis]

A new telescope in Australia could potentially help save the world billions of dollars by providing early warning of massive solar storms.

The Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) radio telescope was unveiled on Friday and its ability to keep an eye on the Sun could provide early warning to prevent damage to communication satellites, electric power grids and GPS navigation systems.

Experts warned back in 2011 that a major solar storm could result in damage to integral power supplies and communications networks of up to $2 trillion. The sun will be entering its solar maximum in 2013 and the increased activity could mean an increase in solar storms.

The new telescope will help identify the trajectory of solar storms, quadrupling the warning period currently provided by near-Earth satellites.

Source

[Ashotep]

Being warned of a massive solar storm could help save lives. Surgeons could put off surgeries that weren't necessary immediately.