So, here's an idea. In real life, every star i unpredictable, unloading massive waves of pure energy into the space around them, shooting off magnetic pulses into far distances.
The idea that you should dock while an ion storm as a server restart gives rather interesting rp ideas.
Here are a few ideas then:
Every hour, at a random time, a random system has a solar flare. Maybe a hint is given to :The system of %system is experiancing an encresed solar activity, advise caucion:
We could add all kinds of effects.
For example, a magnatic impulse from this "blast" goes across the system and has a cruise disruptor/EMP effect. Knocks you out of engine kill or cruise and damages all player and npc ships for 5000 shield damage. :Warning, sensors have indicated a flare, dock immideatly" After 10 minutes the blast itself hits with, say 500 hull damage.
These are only small ideas, really, maybe you shouldnt have hull damage or all starfliers would die and all.