The combined forces of nature and science make for devastating global impact

On a California air force base, concealed long-range missiles are poised for action. Helicopters circle overhead and heavy radar equipment is put into place. The most momentous, sensitive, and dangerous military experiment in the history of the world is about to begin. Deep in the underground command bunker a final briefing takes place with the US president via video stream. On a large screen, a live feed from NASA’s solar radiation monitoring system displays the progress of a dreaded solar storm.

Will a horrendous solar storm carry the threat of nuclear destruction?

When the storm hits its peak, the window for launching a nuclear-armed Minuteman Missile will open. People around the world begin to realize that their worst fears about the portended storm were coming true, as satellites, electric grids, and GPS devices go haywire. Meanwhile, leaders of the United States and North Korea have their fingers poised over their so-called “red buttons,” ready to ignite nuclear war at any time. But will the sun set off the bomb?