Story perspectives

StormWall Concept Cuts Superstorm Intensity 50%, Averts $2.4 T Damage

7/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers proposed “StormWall,” using six spacecraft to release about 384 tons of barium-like gas for 14 hours in geosynchronous orbit to weaken superstorms.
Brian Walsh of Boston University reported that the gas release cut a May 2024 storm’s intensity by 50 percent.
The study warned that a once-in-a-century geomagnetic storm could damage power grids by over $2.4 trillion, noting that the payload—over 436 tons—would be costly and its environmental impact unknown.

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Story summary

Researchers proposed “StormWall,” using six spacecraft to release about 384 tons of barium-like gas for 14 hours in geosynchronous orbit to weaken superstorms.
Brian Walsh of Boston University reported that the gas release cut a May 2024 storm’s intensity by 50 percent.
The study warned that a once-in-a-century geomagnetic storm could damage power grids by over $2.4 trillion, noting that the payload—over 436 tons—would be costly and its environmental impact unknown.