Image: NASA
What’s New: Many scientists predicted this would be a relatively quiet solar cycle, but it is turning out to be one of the most active.
Why It’s Important: Solar activity can disrupt GPS and other GNSS signals, potentially for days. If strong enough they can even destroy satellites.
What to Know:
- GPS satellites are built to military standards and are resistant to radiation. Though nothing is bullet proof and the sun can be powerful.
- The current solar cycle does not peak until mid-2025, so hold onto your hats!
- Dr Scott McIntosh deputy director of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) went against the “consensus” of the scientific community and has long predicted this cycle would be epic. We spoke with him two years ago about this. His analysis was fascinating and his understanding has been proven to be superior to most. Interesting that Dr. McIntosh is at the Univ. of Col. at Boulder where a lot of GPS-related research is done.
SEE ALSO: IS THE SUN OUR BIGGEST ENEMY IN SPACE?
