solar flare - can it erase hard drives?

In article ,
Keith F. Lynch wrote:
While it is possible, "easily" is a vast overstatement. Motors
usually don't produce strong external magnetic fields, and magnetic
media are much more robust than people commonly think...

I've had diskettes and tapes erased by taking them on the DC Metro.

I've never had any trouble with the Toronto subway. Subway cars do have a
*lot* of current running around -- it's amusing to take a compass along on
a subway ride, and watch it spin back and forth as things switch under the
floor.
--
MOST launched 30 June; first light, 29 July; 5arcsec | Henry Spencer
pointing, 10 Sept; first science, early Oct; all well. |