the next big solar storm is due in dec 2012/13 if it is as big as the one in 1859 we are up shitsville but not the end of the day kinds but it will knock out every electronic means of communications, power grids, satellites , the works, imagine no net for years , that is estimated time to get everything back on line, IF it is that big and that is big IF. this just a solar cycle we go through every 11 years or so , solar storms are common we had one some days back but the sun is reaching it's peak waking up time in 2012/13 so yeah it is kinda worrying , the impact will be huge cause now we are dependent on electricity for everything.