Solar Storm May Ground Aircraft, Overload Power Grids

Fox News ^ | December 14, 2006 | Paul Wagenseil

[bd476]

The severe geomagnetic storm bombarding the Earth on Thursday was expected to disrupt radio, television and cell-phone communications worldwide and could force airlines to reroute passenger flights that normally fly over the North Pole.

Power-grid operators will have to make sure their systems do not overload from induced current, and satellites in close Earth orbits will need to have their positions constantly monitored as the atmosphere expands from the additional heat and frictional drag increases.

"It's really hitting the Earth's magnetic field pretty hard," Joseph Kunches, lead forecaster at the NOAA Space Environment Center in Boulder, Colo., told FOXNews.com.

"It's already affected HF [high-frequency] radio on the other side of the globe, as well as the astronauts aboard the ISS [international space station]."

As Kunches spoke, the Space Environment Center's atmospheric magnetic sensors oscillated wildly, meaning that the charge of the particles hitting the planet swung drastically between positive and negative.

A large sunspot, dubbed number 930, ejected a major X-3 category solar flare late Tuesday, blanketing two astronauts at the end of a spacewalk with X-rays within minutes.

[ Snip ]

Humans inside airplanes flying high over the magnetic poles are thus exposed to elevated levels of cosmic radiation even under normal space-weather conditions. During a severe geomagnetic storm, it might not be worth getting off the ground.

"There's still no one answer for what a 'safe' amount of radiation would be," Kunches said.

[ Snip ]

Regional electrical networks are at risk as well.

"Induced current will enter power grids," said Kunches, "and operators will have to make sure their systems don't overload."

[Central Scrutiniser]

Real science. Knowledge gained via scientific method and research.

Now, using your arguments that the bible is a science text, pray tell how, using your limited world view, we would learn, predict and intrepret this using only the bible as a textbook, as you seem to want to do when it comes to evolution as a science.

[bd476]

CaptRon wrote: "Well, I know 3 of my satellite stations went out today, and right in the middle of a Martha Stewart biography!"

Missing a Martha Stewart Biography would *not* be a good thing, CaptRon. /snicker

[presently no screen name]

Real science. Knowledge gained via scientific method and research.

"Real" being the key word. I'm all for knowledge, any kind. And the fact we are told we only use 10% of our brain, how much more are we capable of? God gave us more than we can imagine.

the bible is a science text,

I never said it was a science text! Let's keep it real and not spin.

your limited world view

My world view is not limited, in fact, it's the opposite. The world view is limited; it doesn't have all the answers. According to Bible prophecy, knowledge shall be increased in the last days and, IMHO, knowledge is increasing at a ever-increasing pace which helps us all greatly but is only temporary.

It's your faith in the 'world' and all it can teach you that keeps you limited to true knowledge. But, then again, some don't have the right perspective to even ask the important questions and remain limited. "My people suffer for a lack of knowledge'.

we would learn, predict and intrepret this using only the bible as a textbook,

Look at it this way, the universe is complex - man is on a ever searching quest to learn, predict, interpret - which is good but at the same time We know we can't do much about the weather. They warn us of impending storms but still some tempt fate and don't take the necessary precautions. God gives us warnings, also. Unfortunately, some tempt their eternal fate. Perhaps, one day you will see the Awesomeness of God as you study the universe.

as you seem to want to do when it comes to evolution as a science.

Evolution is not a science. Evo's claim it is in their limited knowledge but it isn't. Their base is wrong so nothing right can follow. God created it all just the way He liked it and in six days.

Next to the Awesomeness of God, we are each like one grain of sand. When man is puffed up in his own knowledge/education, it keeps him limited in the ways of God. We will NEVER understand the magnitude of the power of God. But with humility, we can accept it. Exchanging pride for humility when looking for Truth is key. Future studies in any area will then start with the right perspective.

[Defiant]

Will it mess up my zzarpuarea wsa askjfaeio satellite internet?

[Defiant]

How can you post this today? She's still in mourning for Frank.

[bd476]

No, it really should not mess up your zzarpuarea wsa askjfaeio satellite internet.

[CaptRon]

I was devastated, I tell ya!

[Lazamataz]

I hate the sun.

I want to put it out.

[Lazamataz]

atmospheric magnetic sensors oscillated wildly

I used to oscillate wildly.