Following testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives, Kathleen Hartnett White answered written questions submitted by the members.
Energy & Environment
The sun is stronger than our electric grid — and we are defenseless against it
The Carrington Event literally shocked telegraph operators. A repeat could shock an entire civilization into the pre-industrial age. Imagine being a telegraph operator in September 1859. You’re sitting at your station, using cutting-edge technology to tap out messages hundreds and thousands of miles away. Suddenly, brilliant auroras light up the night sky from the tropics...
February 9, 2026