REWIND -- Solar cycle sparks doomsday buzz

Cosmic Log - Solar cycle sparks doomsday buzz: "Alan Boyle writes:Don't panic over those reports that solar storms could cause high-tech disruptions in 2013. But don't ignore them either. That's the word from NASA Headquarters' top guy for solar science.

Concerns about the potential for an unprecedented assault from space were stoked last week by a report in London's Telegraph, warning that a super storm could cause 'catastrophic consequencies for the world's health, emergency services and national security unless precautions are taken.'
The warnings focus on the 2012-2013 time frame, because that's when the 11-year solar activity cycle is expected to peak. Back in 2006, solar scientists said the coming peak, known as solar maximum or 'solar max,' could be 30 to 50 percent stronger than the last one, based on a computer model that looked at how plasma circulates between the sun's equator and its poles."