There's a terrifying space phenomenon which could one day become a reality, as scientists have issued warnings over the years.
The theory - called Kessler Syndrome - is depicted in a 'breathtaking' sci-fi movie which is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
It comes as a strong solar flare released from the sun earlier this week causing similar effects to what we could face if the Kessler Syndrome ever happens.
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Early on Tuesday (May 14), the sun released a powerful solar flare from a growing sunspot called AR4087.
Hitting its peak at 4.25 am EDT, it caused major radio blackouts across Europe, Asia and the Middle East, reports Space.com
Solar flares are graded by strength, from A (the weakest) to X (the strongest). This one was an X-class - rare and intense - and sent a surge of ultraviolet light racing toward Earth.
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When this radiation hit our planet’s upper atmosphere, it caused a sudden spike in ionization, which disrupted high-frequency radio signals.
Previously, scientists have warned we're at risk of the Kessler Syndrome, which could cause major blackouts.
What is the Kessler Syndrome?
Right now, there are over 10,000 active satellites orbiting Earth - but that's not all.
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Surrounding our planet are an estimated 100 trillion fragments of old satellites and debris, some of which occasionally fall into the atmosphere and burn up.
Back in the late 1970s, NASA scientist Donald Kessler warned of a dangerous tipping point: once the amount of debris in orbit reaches 'critical mass,' the junk starts crashing into itself, triggering an unstoppable chain reaction of collisions.
This idea is known as Kessler Syndrome.
Kessler predicted it might take 30 to 40 years to reach that threshold. Today, some experts believe we’ve already crossed it in low-Earth orbit (about 900 to 1,000 km above Earth).
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Recent space events make this warning feel even more real.
In 2009, a dead Russian satellite collided with a US satellite. In 2021, Russia deliberately destroyed one of its own satellites with a missile test, forcing astronauts on the International Space Station to take emergency shelter.
If more collisions occur, we could lose vital satellites that power the modern world. The effects would be massive: internet and phone services could crash, TV, GPS, and weather forecasting could vanish and medical devices and emergency response systems could fail.
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And with deadly debris flying at thousands of miles per hour, launching anything into space - from satellites to rescue missions - could quickly become even riskier.
Sandra Bullock's movie
Directed by Alfonso Cuaron, Gravity sees a catastrophic chain reaction of exploding satellites turn space into a deadly minefield, stranding astronaut Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) in orbit.
As debris hurtles around Earth at blistering speed, she must fight to survive with nothing but her wits and dwindling oxygen.
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Fans have described Gravity as 'a masterpiece' as well as 'an experience,' praising it as 'breathtaking' cinema.
Writing on Rotten Tomatoes, one fan said: "There isn't much to say about Gravity other than how masterfully crafted the shots, sound, and CGI are."
A second agreed: "Sandra Bullock plays an amazing astronaut, and the space scenes are truly breathtaking."
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Gravity is streaming now on Amazon Prime Video until June 1.
Topics: Amazon Prime, Entertainment, Film and TV, YouTube, International Space Station, Space, NASA, Earth
Ellie Kemp