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    Strong Solar Storms Pummeling Earth

    Written by

    Jim Louderback
    Published October 24, 2003
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      A powerful solar storm, characterized as “serious” by NOAA is currently hitting the earth with its full fury. The storm, given a G-3 rating, hit around 11:30am EDT, and is expected to last between 12 to 24 hours.

      “The primary concern with a storm like this,” explained Larry Combs, a Space Weather Forecaster at NOAA, “are your satellite hook-ups.” Communications satellites, used to relay phone, data and TV traffic can experience a number of problems. “They can experience a surface charging that affects the satellite components,” or they can actually be nudged out of orbit by the solar buffeting. “With this storm, I would predict some periodic glitches in satellite communications,” Combs warns.

      NOAA, which tracks sunspots and other solar activities, has rated the storm G-3 on its severity scale—which extends from G-1 (Minor) to G-5 (Extreme). A strong, or G-3 type storm could trigger alarms on some power-system protection devices, and interfere with satellites, navigation and high-frequency radio waves.

      So far, NOAA has received reports from power companies noticing the effect of the storm—although its not likely to bring down any electrical grids.

      And another storm is on the way, due to hit Saturday or Sunday. How strong will it be? “Were not sure of the intensity,” predicts Combs, but thinks itll be similar to todays storm. Even if its no more powerful, the results can build up on sensitive space equipment. “They experience a blast, and then another blast, it can be a cumulative effect.”

      These types of storms can be common during the peak of the solar season—which last happened in 2000—but were considered much less likely to occur three years later. Two sequential storms of this magnitude, this late in the cycle are “an unusual occurrence”, says Combs. The most pronounced effects are expected in the higher latitudes, above a line drawn from about Oregon, through Illinois and on to upstate New York.

      Even so, theyre not nearly as powerful as a G-5 storm, which only occurs a few times during the peak of the 11-year solar cycle. “They are extreme, and can collapse power grids and drop satellites out of the sky,” warns Combs. But from every indication, these two storms will not be nearly as bad.

      However, if you live north of about 45 degrees latitude, there could be a beneficial effect. Take a look outside over the next few nights. “The northern lights will be real good”, predicts Combs

      You can read more about the solar storm at the NOAA Web site.

      Jim Louderback
      Jim Louderback
      With more than 20 years experience in consulting, technology, computers and media, Jim Louderback has pioneered many significant new innovations.While building computer systems for Fortune 100 companies in the '80s, Jim developed innovative client-server computing models, implementing some of the first successful LAN-based client-server systems. He also created a highly successful iterative development methodology uniquely suited to this new systems architecture.As Lab Director at PC Week, Jim developed and refined the product review as an essential news story. He expanded the lab to California, and created significant competitive advantage for the leading IT weekly.When he became editor-in-chief of Windows Sources in 1995, he inherited a magazine teetering on the brink of failure. In six short months, he turned the publication into a money-maker, by refocusing it entirely on the new Windows 95. Newsstand sales tripled, and his magazine won industry awards for excellence of design and content.In 1997, Jim launched TechTV's content, creating and nurturing a highly successful mix of help, product information, news and entertainment. He appeared in numerous segments on the network, and hosted the enormously popular Fresh Gear show for three years.In 1999, he developed the 'Best of CES' awards program in partnership with CEA, the parent company of the CES trade show. This innovative program, where new products were judged directly on the trade show floor, was a resounding success, and continues today.In 2000, Jim began developing, a daily, live, 8 hour TechTV news program called TechLive. Called 'the CNBC of Technology,' TechLive delivered a daily day-long dose of market news, product information, technology reporting and CEO interviews. After its highly successful launch in April of 2001, Jim managed the entire organization, along with setting editorial direction for the balance of TechTV.In the summer or 2002, Jim joined Ziff Davis Media to be Editor-In-Chief and Vice President of Media Properties, including ExtremeTech.com, Microsoft Watch, and the websites for PC Magazine, eWeek and ZDM's gaming publications.

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