The Universe is Hostile to Computers

Summary

This script explores the invisible and pervasive influence of cosmic rays, which can cause unexpected phenomena like bit flips in electronic systems. It recounts the 2003 Belgian election recount due to a mysterious 4,096-vote surplus attributed to a bit flip, and delves into the history of cosmic ray discoveries. The script also discusses the impact of cosmic rays on technology, from video games to supercomputers and space missions, highlighting the need for radiation-hardened electronics and the potential for cosmic rays to affect even our genetic codes.

Takeaways

• 🗳️ On May 18th, 2003, an election recount in Belgium revealed an inexplicable discrepancy in votes for Maria Vindevogel, attributed to a computer error.
• 💻 The error was traced to a bit flip in the computer system, where 4,096 extra votes were counted due to the 13th bit flipping from zero to one.
• 🔬 The number 4,096 is significant as it is a power of two (2^12), indicating that a single bit in the binary representation of votes was affected.
• 🌐 Historically, similar issues with bit flips were reported in the 1970s with Intel's DRAM, linked to radioactive materials in the ceramic packaging of chips.
• 🚀 Cosmic rays, high-energy particles from space, are known to cause bit flips in electronic devices, potentially affecting computers and other technology.
• 🌌 Victor Hess discovered cosmic rays in 1911, showing that radiation increases with altitude, contrary to expectations that it would decrease.
• 🛰️ Cosmic rays can cause significant disruptions, such as the 2008 incident where an Airbus A330 experienced a sudden pitch down due to a bit flip in its flight computer.
• 🚗 In 2009, Toyota recalled millions of vehicles due to unintended acceleration, with some speculation attributing the issue to cosmic ray-induced bit flips.
• 🏔️ High-altitude locations, like Los Alamos National Labs, experience more frequent neutron-induced computer crashes due to cosmic rays, necessitating protective measures.
• 🌟 Cosmic rays not only impact technology but may have played a role in the evolution of life on Earth by causing mutations in genetic codes.

Q & A

What unusual event occurred during the 2003 Belgian election recount in Schaerbeek?

During the recount of the 2003 Belgian election in Schaerbeek, it was discovered that Maria Vindevogel, a candidate, had received 4,096 more votes than were mathematically possible, due to an error in the computer system.

What is the significance of the number 4,096 in the context of the Belgian election recount?

The number 4,096 is significant because it is a power of two (2^12), indicating that a single bit flip in the 13th position of the binary representation of votes for Maria Vindevogel could have caused the discrepancy in her vote count.

What was the initial explanation for the bit flip errors in Intel's 16 kilobit DRAM in 1978?

The initial explanation for the bit flip errors in Intel's 16 kilobit DRAM was the presence of radioactive atoms from an old uranium mill upstream of the Green River in Colorado, which had contaminated the ceramic packaging of the chips.

What is a single event upset (SEU)?

A single event upset (SEU) is a type of soft error in digital electronics where a bit in memory or a flip-flop changes state due to a particle strike, such as from cosmic rays or other high-energy particles, without physically damaging the device.

How did Victor Hess discover cosmic rays?

Victor Hess discovered cosmic rays by conducting balloon flights up to high altitudes and observing an increase in radiation levels, which he concluded was coming from space, not the Earth.

What is the connection between cosmic rays and the phenomenon of 'seeing flashes of light' experienced by astronauts?

Astronauts sometimes see flashes of light due to high-energy particles or bursts of radiation from cosmic rays passing through their eyeballs or optic nerves, which the body registers as visual flashes.

What measures are taken to protect computers in space missions from the effects of cosmic rays?

To protect computers in space missions, radiation-hardened components are used, which are designed to withstand significantly higher levels of radiation than ordinary computers. Additionally, redundant systems and error-correcting codes are implemented to mitigate the effects of bit flips caused by cosmic rays.

How did the Airbus A330 incident on October 7th, 2008, highlight the potential impact of cosmic rays on aviation?

The Airbus A330 incident, where the plane suddenly pitched down causing injuries, was attributed to a bit flip in the air data inertial reference unit (ADIRU), possibly caused by a high-energy atmospheric particle, illustrating the potential for cosmic rays to disrupt flight control systems.

What is the role of neutron detectors in facilities like Los Alamos National Labs?

Neutron detectors are installed in facilities like Los Alamos National Labs to monitor the presence of neutrons, which can be produced by cosmic rays and cause bit flips in computer systems, leading to crashes or malfunctions.

How do cosmic rays affect the operation of the Perseverance Rover on Mars?

The Perseverance Rover is equipped with a radiation-hardened computer that is designed to withstand 40 times the radiation of an ordinary computer, protecting it from the effects of cosmic rays and ensuring the continuity of its mission.

What is the potential impact of cosmic rays on the genetic codes of living organisms?

Cosmic rays may have played a significant role in the history of our planet by causing bit flips in the genetic codes of living organisms, providing some of the variation upon which natural selection acts, thus potentially contributing to the evolution of life.