Solar Flares Reach Earth: Could Cause Satellite, Communications Problems
- Posted on August 5, 2011 at 5:06pm by
Tiffany Gabbay
- Print »
- Email »
WASHINGTON (The Blaze/AP) — The impact of a series of eruptions on the sun began arriving at Earth on Friday and could affect some communications for a day or so.
Operators of electrical grids are working to avoid outages, but the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says some satellite communications and Global Positioning Systems could face problems.
Three solar flares erupted on the sun starting Tuesday, and the strongest electromagnetic shocks were being felt Friday by the ACE spacecraft, a satellite that measures radiation bursts a few minutes before they strike Earth, said Joseph Kunches, a scientist at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder, Colo.
Tom Bogdan, director of the center, said the sun is going from a quiet period into a busier cycle for solar flares and an increase in the number of such blasts is expected over the next three to five years.
Solar flares send out bursts of electromagnetic energy that strike the Earth’s magnetic field. The most common impacts for the average person are the glowing auroras around the north and south poles, and the researchers said those could be visible this weekend.
The magnetic blasts, which Bogdan likened to a tsunami in space, can also affect electronic communications and electrical systems. A 1989 solar flare knocked out the electrical systems in Quebec, Canada, but the current solar storm is not expected to be that powerful. On a scale of 1 to 5, he said, it is probably a 2 or 3.
But more significant solar storms are expected in the next few years, he said.
NASA provides actual footage of the some of flares:
The most powerful known solar storm occurred in 1859, Bogdan said. There were not as many vulnerable electrical items then, but it did knock out telegraph services, even burning down some telegraph stations, he said.
Other serious solar blasts occurred in 1921 and 1940, he noted, and Kunches recalled one on Halloween in 2003.
Popular Stories
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 585 Comments
‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 413 Comments
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 412 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 374 Comments
President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 368 Comments
Faith
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 412 Comments
Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 413 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
- President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 368 Comments
- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 151 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 303 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 412 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (89)
kindling
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 11:51pmIf these flares stop the federal government…..and even California state government from being able to work they can’t be all bad.
Report Post »mils
Posted on August 6, 2011 at 12:08amDecember 2012…larger than usual flares…
Report Post »Shellback
Posted on August 6, 2011 at 9:05amMILS,
Report Post »Mayan calendar ending on Winter solstice 2012 and complete eight axis alignment that hasn’t occurred for over 3K years. We live in historic times.
Shellback
Posted on August 6, 2011 at 9:10amI forgot to add “star” alignment.
Report Post »dontbotherme
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 10:52pmI keep thinking about “The Book of Eli”. Kind of getting nervous. The Bible is the Word of God & the Truth. I have to keep reminding myself that my salvation is in God’s hands & there is nothing to fear. Do not fear these things for they must happen. Sun Flares are a normal occurrence. Must remember to duck & cover.
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 11:05pmIf there’s nothing to fear… why duck and cover?
Report Post »independentvoteril
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 11:20pmYou have to DUCK and COVER cause the flares might scare the DUCKS and if they drop a load you want to be under cover..
Report Post »HellAndBack
Posted on August 6, 2011 at 12:27pmBecause what we shouldnt fear as believers is the End… So, IF this is it then we have nothing to fear for Salvatiopn is ours. However, Nature is still a force beyond our control and if this ISNT the end… Duck and Cover. God didnt say stand there like a dolt if faced with hard times… He only asked that we trust in Him. Never said anything about “EASY”. Thats a Liberals interpretation… and a Lazy one. LOL
Report Post »Big Book Harry
Posted on August 6, 2011 at 4:35pm@The Monk
Report Post »Your an idiot :-)
While still alive in the flesh we are called to make every effort to preserve life until He chooses to take it, not to mention the instinct for self preservation kicks in.
4truth2all
Posted on August 7, 2011 at 7:23pmTo : independent When does the comedy tour start?
Report Post »I was going to say something like… if you saw a trackter trailer comming at you at 60 mhp. you would move. The batteries might be low in my brain, but even a rebuild like me knows that. Aint fear. I think you could get alot more for tickets then me. Whatdoyathink!
stevoschmidt
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 10:25pmMars is leaking water, so they think. May be traces from the last solar flarein apr/may.The Sun’s gravity is also, bringing us closer nonstop. Gravity’s a sonofa!
Report Post »HellAndBack
Posted on August 6, 2011 at 12:29pm1 inch every thousand years… l’m not concerned. LOL
Report Post »Kurious3323
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 10:20pmI’m sure Liberals will figure how Solar flares are man made and request a billion dollars to combat it
Report Post »kindling
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 11:35pmI am still surprised the liberals have not created a tax on water displacement. The ocean is supposed to be rising and they can blame it on all the water craft large and small. Can you imaging how rich you could be at say a penny a gallon. One tanker would make me rich.
Report Post »Lux
Posted on August 6, 2011 at 4:21amkindling stop giving them ideas! ;)
Report Post »karen162
Posted on August 6, 2011 at 6:09amLOL! I was just thinking the same thing! How will the UN spin solar flares as being a byproduct of Global Warming and recommend taxation of the U.S. when they hit?
Report Post »Glenn in Virginia
Posted on August 6, 2011 at 1:00pmA billion? It’ll take at least TWELVE TRILLION!
Report Post »MomaGrisley2
Posted on August 6, 2011 at 9:37pmUniverse warming caused by cow farts and cars on earth…yes, we can see the new movie Inconvenient Truth2 – This time it is galactic.
Report Post »Knucklenose
Posted on August 7, 2011 at 11:05pmWell in fact, the solar flares are attracted to the technology in space and on earth. Such as the atom smashers,which are large magnets.Much like thunderstorms and it’s lightning. So the USA has inconvieanced (sp, BIG TIME) the rest of the world. The UN and USA’s political liberals will demand
money given to impacted countries, institutions and oversite commitees who ‘represent’ the indigent and the indignant and ingrates. Al Gore will weep rivers of tears, bemoaning the shortsightedness of the country he was birthed upon “Oi. .Oi ….oh woe am I ” Gore shall lament, “this makes carbon
footprints like small small patatoes! Forsooth!….to my jet…away!”
small patatoes! Forsooth!!!!…..to my jet…..away!!!”
Report Post »This_Individual
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 9:59pmOh well, we’ll just have to adjust.
Report Post »USMarine0311
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 9:57pmThat’s just bum Kist, we all know that it is global warming causing all the issue today, shark attacks, angry bears, drowning polar bears, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, cold weather. So just stop with this unfounded science of Sun Spots causing problems.
Report Post »patriot51
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 9:57pmRevelation 6
New King James Version
Sixth Seal: Cosmic Disturbances
12 I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold,[e] there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon[f] became like blood. 13 And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. 14 Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. 15 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders,[g] the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, 16 and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”
Report Post »redneckdiver
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 10:02pmFunny, I didn’t know the 6th seal operated on an 11 year cycle.
Report Post »HD Veteran
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 9:44pm…So if you have not heeded Glenn’s advice, you better stock up…
Report Post »patriot51
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 9:58pmDouble Dittos !
Report Post »Christ the Lord
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 9:12pmNow I tell All of YOU, who HAVE LOVED ME, THANK YOU. Recieve NOW ALL, that has been Prepared FOR YOU. Now, I SAY, THANK YOU FATHER, FOR THRU THEE, HOLY SPIRIT, ALL IS, WAS AND SHALL BE, FOREVER AND EVER, AMEN, AMEN.
Report Post »Christ the Lord
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 9:07pmTo UNDERSTAND THE WORD OF GOD, One MUST RECIEVE THE HOLY SPIRIT. To BE BAPTIZED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT, One MUST KNOW ME. THAT IAM IS FOREVER. WE ARE ONE. WE ARE THE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT.
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 10:56pmIt’s more like… Big Daddy, JC and the Spook!
Report Post »THE EQUALIZER
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 9:06pmSomebody please tell the moron author of this article that there were NO electrical systems in 1859!
Report Post »Jackass!
11bboogie
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 9:33pmHey, be nice. Read the article. He never said systems. What a maroon.
Report Post »toru66
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 9:40pmall due respect but you are wrong, the telegraph was invented in the late 1700s, therefore by 1859 there was a network of telegraph system in the USA. Someone needs to do some research before talking crap!
Report Post »Tretka
Posted on August 6, 2011 at 1:34amHe said the telegraph system. Electric telegraph system started in the 1800s-telegraphing is signals and there is a language that was invented for it. Remember-tap,tap,tap-tap? Or maybe you are too young or have not read any history? (not being snide, just saying)There were sub-stations for electricity like we have now for power lines.
Report Post »Psychosis
Posted on August 6, 2011 at 1:48amhows that education working out for ya ?
Report Post »JGraham III
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 9:05pmEarth: this is God. You have 30 days to clear out. I have someone interested in the property…
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 10:58pmPlease tell me that it’s not Soros!
Report Post »Tretka
Posted on August 6, 2011 at 1:34amYou made me laugh.
Report Post »Christ the Lord
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 9:04pmToday WE TELL YOU ALL,this is the LAST DAY. Today THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE SACRIFICE END.
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 10:59pmThat’s “Obamanations” Hey Zeus.
Report Post »Omnivore
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 9:03pmThis is a common enough occurrence. Still; stars are awesome. What else can you say, except that I hope anyone in orbit is safe?
On that note, there is the whole “space weather” thing. We didn’t hear much about it in the 1960s when it looked like we might be settling on other planets within our lifetimes. As it turns out, once you get outside the Earth’s protective environment, the space ’round here is dangerously radioactive. Astronauts are considered radiation workers for example. Arthur C. Clarke didn’t fill us in on, or didn’t consider, that little detail, either.
Report Post »NDPINDNT
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 8:46pmLooking forward to hearing more about this on: icecap.us The site seems to cover solar activity and it effects on our earth pretty regularly. Especially regarding weather changes and solar activity.
Report Post »scott2012
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 8:42pmI’m sure Al Gore will take this as more proof of global warming.
Report Post »GABOB
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 10:21pmYeah, he will blame the tea party for this too, or Bush.
Report Post »KickinBack
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 8:40pmThanks to all the evil big oil companies, global warming is now effecting the sun to a degree where it’s causing massive solar flares to come back and haunt us. My proof? I don’t have any, just blowing it out my arse like big Al.
Report Post »Mr Sanders
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 10:08pmBecause the Earth is a Million degrees at the core – according to Big Al Gore
Report Post »Knucklenose
Posted on August 7, 2011 at 11:16pmRotflmao!!! I did have all caps,but notified it was a no-no. But I was laughing harder than the small caps show.
Report Post »seeker9
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 8:33pmWonder if it affect the “progressive” liberal gene?
Report Post »Gypsy123
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 8:24pmMaybe next time white house opens their mouth to speak a solar flare will block them out
Report Post »Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 8:32pmEveryone knows that the only sun the Tea Party believes in is the son of God Jesus Christ our savior up in heaven blessed be thy name forever and ever amen. Outer space and all that other science-y stuff can’t be trusted.
Report Post »Freebird
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 9:30pmJust one more thing for Jay Carney to blame the poor economy on.
BTW It‘s all Bush’s fault!
Report Post »chips1
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 8:23pmOMG. If I can’t text, how am I going to live? I’ll be cut off from the world. How can I survive? Guess I’ll talk to the people next door. I think I saw a car there about a year ago. Hope their friendly!!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »-Publius
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 8:41pmlol. i love it
Report Post »Restored One
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 8:44pmI sometimes wish that something would affect the information hwy we have today for the exact reason you mention, human contact. Make sure you have your radio and batteries.
Report Post »santramir
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 8:22pmwhat is this kind of bad news got to do with a nation full of young dopes crying for deads like amy winehouse’s and a day after having pot parties and still supporting the promise of a man destroying his own people. oh right they are not going to have their idiotizing mtv shows, neither ther cnn cruel nature distractors for their shallow audience
Report Post »Magyar
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 8:22pmI’ve been keeping track of this phenomenon for quite sometime. Please realize that the government will continue to down play this but I assure you, it’s FAR more important and dangerous than they want you to believe. …And I am NOT an alarmist NOR a science nut! I’ve done a little research and found too much unsettling information— Check it out yourselves!
Report Post »loriann12
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 8:34pmIt will give the power company here in Texas an excuse for the roaming blackouts besides their own incompetence.
Report Post »ILoveGlenn
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 8:38pmThat’s true. And the solar frares will be even more frequent at the end of next year, 2012 and beginning of 2013.
Report Post »Mr Sanders
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 10:23pmSome Scientists have been putting out the warning – but not many are heeding it. It won’t be the heat that gets you, its the varying degrees of cosmic/solar rays. There are ways to make shelters inexpensively… they’re out on the net. If it interests you pay particular attention to the subject of sheilding techniques.
Will ‘Wormwood’ be our star, an event from our little star, or a passer-bye-er? This is a question to consult a more correct translation of the Book of Revelation? Jewish Scholars perhaps as they are the keepers of the Word, and, the original Hebrew is the best translation. Thankfully, God knows when, and only He. Most certainly more need to find their Way.
Report Post »Dan
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 8:19pmELEnin is coming.
Report Post »65Plus
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 8:12pmThe Carrington event of the 1800s melted copper wires and set telegraph poles on fire. THAT was a solar eruption.
Report Post »Marengo Ohio Patriot
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 8:23pmsolor flare my azz… it‘s bush’s fault!
Report Post »Mr Sanders
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 10:28pmBe interesting to know how many deaths ( I know, its morbid) occured afterwards for the next 20 years…. if copper burned…. maybe the deaths are recorded as unexplainable or undetermined? I ask because maybe many died from radiation sickness, “suspicious causes” and they just didn’t know how to describe it?
Just wondering…. now that would be a research project!
Report Post »Chris
Posted on August 7, 2011 at 6:59pmThe major problem from a large flare wouldn’t be radiation exposure to people on the ground, but the potential to take out the entire electrical power grid. This wouldn’t be a simple blackout but one that would act more like an EMP pulse that actually caused widespread damage to transformers & switching equipment, That could mean that the blackout caused by the flare would take months to recover from.
Report Post »A really really huge flare could potentially destroy the ozone layer which means that the atmosphere loses the ability to filter out ultraviolet light. Worst case is the end of civilization and potential extinction – most plants and animals die, people can’t go out during the day, until the ozone layer rebuilds.
Brasil2520
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 8:11pmAs long as I don‘t lose my BET channel that’s all I care about, wink – wink
Report Post »Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American
Posted on August 5, 2011 at 8:31pmHAHA! Good one, bro. wink-wink Classic. I wish I could high five you with a t-bag.
Report Post »