Solar Storm Disrupted Victorian Trains, Causing 16-Minute Delay

WHO:

Space.com - An international team led by Lancaster University

WHAT:

Space.com - A solar storm caused a surge of current through telegraph wires, resulting in a 16-minute delay for a train on one of Britain's early railway lines.

Phys.org - The event is noted as one of the earliest recorded examples of space weather affecting technology.

WHERE:

Space.com - The incident occurred on one of Britain's early railway lines.

WHEN:

Space.com - The train delay occurred in 1848.

WHY:

Space.com - The delay was caused by a solar storm that affected telegraph wires.

HOW:

Space.com - The solar storm sent a surge of current through telegraph wires, which impacted the train's schedule.

(UPDATED September 16, 2026 23:06 UTC)

An international team led by Lancaster University has highlighted a fascinating incident from 1848, when a solar storm caused a surge of current through telegraph wires, resulting in a 16-minute delay for a train on one of Britain's early railway lines. This event is recognized as one of the earliest recorded examples of space weather impacting technology. The surge from the solar storm significantly affected the train's schedule, showcasing the interconnectedness of natural phenomena and human infrastructure.