Could an electromagnetic pulse cripple Santa Barbara?

An EMP occurs when a nuclear device is detonated high in the atmosphere and represents one of the greatest threats to humanity. The electromagnetic discharge could permanently disable the electrical and electronic systems that run nearly all civilian and military infrastructure. A massive EMP attack on the United States would almost certainly produce unimaginable devastation. Communications systems would collapse, transportation would halt and electrical power would simply be non-existent.  Without robust pre-disaster planning integrating government and non-governmental organizations as well as international support, even a global humanitarian effort would be insufficient to keep hundreds of millions of Americans from death by starvation, exposure, or lack of medicine. The catastrophe would not stop at U.S. borders. Most of Canada would be devastated, too, as its infrastructure is integrated with the U.S. power grid. Without the North American economic engine, the world economy would be severely affected.

Dr. Radasky is a recognized expert on the subject of EMP and has been involved in EMP research since 1968. His presentation will review three severe electromagnetic threats that provide a serious challenge to the operation of the U.S. power grid.  These include: a high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) attack produced by the detonation of a nuclear device in space; intentional electromagnetic interference (IEMI) produced by a nearby attack using new-technology electromagnetic weapons; and the exposure of the power grid from solar activity producing a severe geomagnetic storm on the Earth.

The presentation will be Friday, September 15 at 7:30 PM at the Goleta Union School District Board Room, 400 North Fairview Avenue in Goleta.

SBARC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public benefit corporation organized to promote education for persons interested in radio telecommunications, to disseminate information about scientific discoveries and progress in the field, and to train communicators for public service and emergency communications. SBARC operates a wide-area network of analog and digital communications systems across Santa Barbara County and encourages and sponsors experiments in electronics while promoting the highest standards of practice and ethics in the conduct of communications.