In the first half, space physicist Ramon Lopez discussed space weather-- variations in the space environment driven primarily by solar activity. He explained that space weather is distinct from terrestrial weather phenomena like hurricanes and originates almost exclusively from the sun, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) —massive bursts of plasma and magnetic fields. While scientists can predict space weather to some extent using satellites positioned between Earth and the sun, warning times are limited to about an hour.
Space weather, he continued, can involve dramatic fluctuations in radiation levels around Earth, sometimes increasing by factors of 10,000, posing dangers to technology and astronauts outside Earth's protective magnetic field. He warned of the potential for future severe events to disrupt critical infrastructure, especially power grids, and highlighted ongoing efforts by utilities and agencies to prepare, as well as a recent U.S. executive order that specifically includes space weather in disaster planning. Lopez shared a recent example where a May 2024 magnetic storm disrupted GPS, delaying corn planting in the U.S. Midwest and causing significant economic losses.
He also recalled the 1859 Carrington Event, an enormous CME that disrupted telegraph systems. A similar event occurring today could have economic damages of $1 to $2 trillion, Lopez estimated, adding that "if a storm of that magnitude were to hit the Earth... millions of people would die because cities wouldn't be able to bring in food or clean water." Regarding solar activity, he described the 11-year sunspot cycle and cautioned that significant storms often occur during the declining phase of the cycle, which we are currently in. He stressed the challenges of predicting CMEs but noted that preparation is key: "You could shut down the power grid or insulate... to keep failures local."
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In the latter half, psychic medium and paranormal investigator Ericka Boussarhane delved into ghosts, hauntings, and the origins and meanings behind Halloween. The holiday has roots in Celtic culture as a ritual to honor the dead and mark seasonal change, she noted, adding that Halloween's symbols, like carving pumpkins and wearing costumes, originated as protective measures against spirits and dark forces. She also connected Halloween to similar global observances such as the Day of the Dead and Samhain, highlighting their shared focus on remembrance and ritual offerings.
On her work as a medium, Boussarhane said spirits often approach her, but she also actively seeks them out during investigations. She stressed respect and communication with spirits, noting, "We have to remember they were human... sometimes we've got to go in there and just respect that they're there while they're communicating." While most spirits she encounters are benevolent, she acknowledged encountering negative entities and advised caution. Challenging the notion that spirits are "stuck," she suggested they have free will and often remain near loved ones for emotional reasons: "Most spirits that come back are really, truly here for a purpose. They're here to guide and help heal us and to give us insight."
Speaking of the more than 100 haunted locations she's investigated, Boussarhane detailed one remarkable case involving a house in Pensacola, Florida, with a dark history linked to slave activity and malevolent spirits. A man reportedly was pulled out of the bed by his leg by one of the dark spirits. "I feel like to this day that house is going to remain haunted if the right family doesn't move in it," she commented. She also touched on the emotional awareness of spirits and the importance of honoring the dead through remembrance and storytelling. "The dead love to be remembered," she said, encouraging listeners to celebrate rather than mourn. During the last hour, she offered readings to callers.
News segment guests: Howard Bloom, Mish Shedlock