Unfortunately, the lack of U.S. nuclear testing since 1992 has also contributed to uncertainty about the adequacy of steps to protect conventional military gear from the effects of high-energy, electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks.

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Scientists are gathered this week to discuss a relatively underappreciated threat to our well-being, the impact a huge solar flare (also known as a solar mass ejection (SME) or solar electromagnetic pulse (EMP)) directed at Earth could wreak upon our modern technology.

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Not only would everything be devastated in the immediate vicinity of the blast but an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) could wipe out almost anything that uses electricity (including cars and battery-powered phones, radios, and flashlights) throughout a much wider area.

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Dr. Graham formerly served as President Reagan's Science Advisor and has in recent years chaired the congressionally mandated Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (better known as the EMP Commission).

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