I was on the ground for this one, but the storm in 2001 produced some of the most spectacular auroras I’ve seen. Strangely enough during that one we couldn’t HF to Gander for peanuts, but VHF worked out to 40W.
The power grid phenomenon also affects pipelines etc, and indeed any conducting circuits. The disturbance to the Earths magnetic field, which can cause 10 deg heading changes in compasses, also induces powerful currents in conductors. On a large grid, these currents can either add to or counter the current flowing in the wires which if they exceed the design current will trip the protection. In pipelines, the current might cause arcing, which has obvious implications for petrochemical installations.
I’m always amazed by Mother nature, and her ability to cause Man to be humbled when he doesn’t understand her.
