From Peter Holness, Hertford, UK
New Scientist often reminds us of the potential damage from large space storms. But far less extreme solar and power grid phenomena can still wreak domestic havoc (6 June, p 14).
Take one occasion where my dishwasher failed to empty, for example. I could find no blockage. Then I realised that flickering lights in my study probably signified an electrical issue caused by a coronal mass ejection at the time. On a hunch, I pulled out the dishwasher, crawled behind it and turned the power off and back on. It has worked properly ever since.
