Significant solar storm headed to Earth Friday

brownlab · #1 (**permalink**) 08-04-2011, 10:38 PM

Capital Weather Gang - The inside scoop on D.C., Maryland and Virginia weather. - The Washington Post

My understanding is that these can affect all types of communications

mke65 · #2 (**permalink**) 08-05-2011, 10:27 PM

I was wondering what was happening with my phone.

My wife kept calling me at the bar yelling at me to get home and the line kept disconnecting for some "unkown" reason.

Now I know why!

Dude111 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-06-2011, 5:44 AM

Quite interesting......

ka3jjz · #4 (**permalink**) 08-06-2011, 3:20 PM

HF communications below 30 mhz, yes. There may be some effects on VHF lo band stuff (and maybe 6 meters and perhaps 2m) but I kinda doubt anything above that will see any changes - it's possible but not very likely. As I type this, the last conditions report was 109/27/3 - with a A index of 27 and a K of 3, we're in for some fairly disturbed conditions for a day or two

These lay stories tend to 'lay it on thick', if you know what I mean. It makes for good copy.

best regards..Mike

KB3SJV · #5 (**permalink**) 08-06-2011, 3:27 PM

good or bad for communications?

nd5y · #6 (**permalink**) 08-06-2011, 4:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KB3SJV

good or bad for communications?

Yes.

Different types of space weather events at different times can enhance communications on some frequencies or cause total blackouts on others.

nd5y · #7 (**permalink**) 08-06-2011, 4:45 PM

Primer on Space Weather

brownlab · #8 (**permalink**) 08-06-2011, 4:48 PM

I was going to add that HF (HAMS), ground to air, and GPS are the things most affected but you guys beat me to it (lol). Should not interfere with scanners except maybe some reapeaters.

Confuzzled · #9 (**permalink**) 08-06-2011, 5:16 PM

You mean the Earth didn't blow up yesterday?

Oh mannnnnn!!!!

brownlab · #10 (**permalink**) 08-06-2011, 6:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Confuzzled

You mean the Earth didn't blow up yesterday?

Oh mannnnnn!!!!

No that is 2012 (lol) however more of these solar storms could occur in the coming years. There was a big one in 1958 though and we are still here.

Solar Storm Warning - NASA Science

clawhammer · #11 (**permalink**) 08-06-2011, 9:09 PM

Can't forget about the Solar Storm of 1859 that was an interesting story to read.

you can read about some of it here. 150 Years Ago: The Worst Solar Storm Ever | Space.com

hojo · #12 (**permalink**) 08-08-2011, 6:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mke65

I was wondering what was happening with my phone.

My wife kept calling me at the bar yelling at me to get home and the line kept disconnecting for some "unkown" reason.

Now I know why!

Fantastic excuse I plan to use Friday night. Will it also effect my digital watch?