Aug-6-2011 solar magnetic storm to hit Earth and satellite power

NASA

solar storms this week could affect communications and global positioning system (GPS) satellites

Three large explosions from the Sun over the past few days have prompted U.S. government scientists to caution users of satellite, telecommunications and electric equipment to prepare for possible disruptions over the next few days.

The largest solar storm

ever recorded was in 1859 when communications infrastructure was limited to telegraphs.

Power grid managers

receive alerts from the Space Weather Prediction Center to tell them to prepare for solar events, which peak about every 12 years

Next peak 2013

called a solar maximum, was expected in 2013.

source: in.reuters.com