Electromagnetic Pulse
Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) is electromagnetic radiation from an explosion (especially a nuclear explosion) or an intensely fluctuating magnetic field such as a solar storm / solar flare. The resulting electric and magnetic fields may couple with electrical/electronic systems to produce damaging current and voltage surges. A large-yield nuclear warhead detonated at sufficient altitude has the potential to generate an EMP burst that would affect the greater part of the contiguous United States. A solar storm such as hit the Earth in 1859 would fry all satellites in orbit and wipe out a significant portion of the world's electrical devices and electrical grids. Depending on how strong the pulse is, unprotected electronics can be destroyed by the current and voltage surge, especially modern, more intricate and fragile components.
