Israel Railways' "electrification" project does allow us to enjoy cleaner air in and around stations, and Israel Railways has lower operating costs (and less headache when dealing with fuel procurement) – but it also brings with it an unexpected danger, which scientists warn about in a new study published in the December issue of the journal Space Weather.
Researchers from Lancaster University in the UK examined the effects of space weather on electric trains, focusing on the effects of solar storms on dual-cable alternating current (AC) power transmission systems – such as the one active in Israel.
Solar storms are known to create powerful magnetic disturbances on Earth, causing geomagnetic currents that can disrupt transmission and distribution networks. Recently, solar storm activity has been more aggressive than usual, so there is a need to prepare for the possibility of more powerful solar storms causing disturbances on Earth.
The study, led by PhD researcher Cameron Peterson and Professor Jim Wilde, focuses on the impact of these solar storms on rail signaling systems. The study focused on key routes in the UK, including the main West Coast line between Preston and Lancaster, and the Glasgow to Edinburgh line.
The findings suggest that space weather events can reverse signals in any direction – turning a red signal into green or vice versa. This poses a significant safety concern, as the possibility of signals switching from red to green – known as "wrong side failure" – can lead to dangerous situations on the tracks. Although the study found that space weather events only manage to affect these systems once a decade or more, the amount of rail circles in the UK makes this time in the decade one with deadly potential.
Peterson explains, "Our study shows that space weather poses a serious, albeit relatively rare, risk to the train's signaling system, which can cause delays, or even more critical safety implications. This natural hazard must be taken seriously." He adds that space weather forecasting needs to be incorporated into rail companies' operations to reduce potential risks.
Professor Wilde emphasizes the importance of learning from other industries, which have already begun to address the risks posed by space weather. "As our understanding of the danger of weather in space improves, we can consider how to reduce the risks. In the future, we will be able to see space weather forecasting to make decisions about limiting train operations if an extreme event is expected, just like a meteorological one."
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