As we approach solar maximum in a couple of years, can we expect communications and GPS interruptions?

http://foxnewsinsider.com/2012/01/24/sol...d-flight-paths/

It is certainly a possibility as we approach the solar maximum. We should get some advance warning, as in this storm.

But the hams on HF will be very pleased :-).

Discussion at work suggests that Aurora Borealis might be visible as far south as Colorado.

Really neat Aurora last night around 3 a.m. Thought I would get skunked, but the sky cleared after midnight. Covered about 2/3 of the sky. All green (sometimes we get red/purple), but it was impressive to distinctly see the shape and N/S alignment of the magnetic field as the colours travelled along them in the night sky.

I have read that some long-range airline flights over the polar region were re-routed as a precaution.

Probably not a direct hazard to the aircraft themselves, but communications might be dicey over the pole. I imagine that's a no-no in civil aviation.

Besides the communications issue, due to the shape of the protective magnetic field around the Earth, the people on the planes flying near the poles are also exposed to more radiation than usual.

Interesting point, I never thought of that.

"Stewardess, my G&T is glowing! That's brilliant, bring me another!" (Bad joke.)

Perhaps we're not accustomed to airlines showing concern with public safety issues that are beyond litigation. Still, as a guarded optimist, I would hope that this is true.

For some pictures:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/images-from-space/2012/01/12/gIQAH8i3vP_photo.html?hpid=z6#photo=1

I was hoping for another look at the aurora last night, but the sky socked in with a deep overcast toward midnight. Oh well.

Re airliners: this article suggests that the rerouting of airliners from their normal polar routes was due to communication issues.
http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/01/25/...ve-solar-storm/

Out of curiosity, would a PLU be affected, say, in the southern hemisphere? I only ask because I'm planning several multi-day hikes in New Zealand next year...

Bump!

Looks like we're heading into a very active cycle. Not a big concern, just some very interesting night skies.

Check out the photo in this local news story:

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Danc...1361/story.html

Here we go again!

The sun kicked out two big solar flares/CMEs. The first is scheduled to reach Earth on Thursday, March 8.

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/sunearth/news/News030712-X5-4.html

we're all gonna die!

time to start the panic.

My local ARES group sent out a couple of well thought-out emails on the subject. This CME is likely to have significant impact on HF propagation. Satellites may be disrupted, and there's a possible radiation hazard to high-altitude aircraft. However, the solar weather forecasters appear to have changed their minds about its likely impact upon long power transmission wires.

LOL! I'm taking off my tinfoil hat and wearing an ammo can instead!

ROTF!! That just made my day!

We had some weird power flickers here this morning and one of my co-workers was convinced that Bob's theory is bang on. I said something to the effect of taking cover. She didn't appreciate it very much.