Solar storms disrupt GPS systems - Technology

In the Nicolas Cage movie Knowing solar flares threaten humanity. We dont have to worry quite so much about that right now, but a solar storm is disrupting power supplies and communication satellites and, apparently causing chaos in general internationally. GPS malfunctioning is one of the disruptions most likely to affect the general population. Because GPS systems rely on communication satellites to pinpoint your position and guide you to your destination and because communication satellites are going to be on the fritz, your trusted GPS will not be so trustworthy for the duration of the storm.

The current solar storm is part of an active period in the suns 11-year weather cycle. Astronomers have warned that it is an extremely active period and it seems its getting more active by the week. The first warnings were issued in April, when scientists predicted that we would be entering the biggest solar storm cycle the world has seen for 50 years. Storm activity has been noted from August with the latest disruptions occurring on Monday 13 December 2010.

In addition to the disruption to GPS and communication systems, the latest storm poses a health risk to astronauts on the International Space Station. Regardless, scientists have suggested that rather than panic, people should enjoy the spectacle of the aurora borealis of the Northern and Southern Lights, which are particularly striking during times of intense solar activity. Of course, those of us who dont live anywhere near the poles will just have to take their word for it.

Reminiscent of another disaster movie, 2012, in two years time we can expect to see even more beautiful Northern Lights and more GPS, mobile phone and power disruptions as the sun experiences a solar maximum when the 11-year cycle will reach its most active period. Its been suggested the Northern Lights will be so bright that they will be visible from Rome.

Rather than being passive observers, the public has been allowed and even encouraged to help scientists track the storms and solar activity. Solar Stormwatch is an initiative by the Royal Observatory in Greenwich; it has its own website on provides a solar activity tutorial that shows members what they need look for. Members use NASAs STEREO spacecraft to keep an eye on solar activity and when they spot a storm they need to post an alert on Stormwatch, which then requests other members to help monitor it. The information generated is used to predict when the storm is expected to reach Earth. Using Stormwatch its possible to predict storms up to three days in advance.

Nothing can be done to alleviate the effects of the solar storm, but at least youll know when to shelve your GPS and stick to roads you know well.

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