Unveiling the Myth of a Magnetar Shockwave Threatening Earth

In recent days, particularly in the realm of YouTube's Nibiru conspiracy theories, Pastor Paul Begley has gained attention for a controversial claim. He suggests that Earth is in imminent danger of a gamma ray burst from the magnetar SGR 1806-20, which he predicts will occur on December 26th, 2016. However, this prediction is far from credible and scientifically unsupported.

The Science Behind Magnetars

Magnetars are a fascinating and relatively rare type of neutron star that possess the strongest magnetic fields known in the universe. These magnetic fields are over a quadrillion times stronger than Earth's magnetic field, and they emit bursts of gamma rays, which are the most energetic form of electromagnetic radiation. SGR 1806-20, the magnetar in question, is located more than 50,000 light-years away from our solar system. This vast distance renders the possibility of a direct impact highly improbable.

Previous Gamma Ray Burst Events

The last significant event involving SGR 1806-20 occurred on December 27, 2004, when it experienced a star quake that released immense energy in a fraction of a second. This event, though impressive, did not pose a threat to Earth. Instead, the gamma rays ionized the Earth's upper atmosphere, causing temporary glitches in some satellites. The Earth's atmosphere acts as a protective shield, with its thick layers of water vapor and gases deflecting and absorbing high-energy radiation, thus safeguarding the planet and its inhabitants.

Unpredictability of Gamma Ray Bursts

It is crucial to note that gamma ray bursts from magnetars are unpredictable. Scientists have yet to develop a reliable method for predicting these events. The December 2004 burst is a prime example; it happened unexpectedly, making the coincidence of a predicted event on a specific date all the more implausible. If a similar event were to occur today, it would be a historical first in terms of prediction accuracy.

Impact on Satellites and Power Grids

While gamma ray bursts may cause temporary blindness in satellites, the impact is generally not severe. These bursts can temporarily disable satellite memory or cause them to reboot, but this does not represent any long-term damage. Similarly, solar storms, though potentially disruptive to power grids, are a different phenomenon. They can temporarily affect long-distance power transmission cables, leading to power failures. However, the threat to consumer electronics and short-range devices is negligible due to the weakness of these magnetic field changes.

Government Preparedness and Shortcomings

It is worth mentioning that in response to the perceived threat of solar storms, President Obama did sign an executive order to enhance the resilience of the power grid and protect it from such disruptions. However, this initiative was vastly overexaggerated in media reports. The reality is that while the threat is real, the measures to mitigate it are effective and ongoing.

Conclusion

In summary, the prediction of a devastating gamma ray burst from SGR 1806-20 on December 26th, 2016, is not based on any scientific evidence. Magnetars like SGR 1806-20 pose no direct threat to Earth due to their vast distance, while any gamma ray burst they emit is unlikely to be a prediction turned truth due to the unpredictability of these phenomena. The nearest magnetars are still thousands of light-years away, making this prediction nothing more than a myth perpetuated by Nibiru conspiracy theories.

For those intrigued by the science behind these celestial phenomena, further reading on magnetars and gamma ray bursts can provide a more in-depth understanding. Remember, when it comes to threats to Earth, always rely on verified scientific information rather than unverifiable conspiracy theories.