Solar Flare May Foretell Global Communications Disruptions

For those who may not have seen my previous article, the possibility of a severe impact on electronic devices due to solar flares is on the rise, and scientists expect it to rise until it peaks sometime in 2012 or 2013.

Within the last several hours, space authorities such as US-based NASA and the China Meteorological Administration have both issued warnings regarding the "Valentine's Day Flare" - a series of three massive electromagnetic discharges erupting from the Sun around February 14, 2011. With all three disruptions traveling at approximately 560 miles per second, the flares require several days before striking the Earth on February 17, 2011.

NASA's Statement

"X-class flares are the most powerful of all solar events that can trigger radio blackouts and long-lasting radiation storms," disturbing telecommunications and electric grids, NASA said Wednesday.

US National Weather Service

A statement from the US National Weather Service claims: Geomagnetic storms usually last 24 to 48 hours - but some could last for many days.

"Ground to air, ship to shore, short-wave broadcast and amateur radio are vulnerable to disruption during geomagnetic storms. Navigation systems like GPS can also be adversely affected. Three CMEs (coronal mass ejections) are enroute, all a part of the Radio Blackout events on February 13, 14, and 15 (UTC). The last of the three seems to be the fastest and may catch both of the forerunners about mid to late ... February 17."

China Meteorological Administration

The China Meteorological Administration reports that the solar flare has already caused "sudden ionospheric disturbances" in the atmosphere above China and has disabled short-wave radio communications in China's southern regions.

Possible Effects Include Power and Communications Outages

For those who may not have seen the previous article, click here to read about the possible impact the predicted rise in solar flares on cell phone communication, internet, radio communication, among others...

Sources:

Power & Communication Disruptions to Rise as 2012 Approaches

Huge solar flare jams radio, satellite signals: NASA

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: John Melendez is a freelance writer reporting on technology, the environment, sustainability, alternative energies and "green" issues. John Melendez is a writer for hire. To email him, go to http://www.emailmeform.com/fid.php?formid=19595

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