The solar storm that hit the planet on Friday (April 14) knocked out satellites, including at least one operated by a satellite company that works in tandem with utilities and other companies to provide services to customers. As of Tuesday (April 18), at least two dozen satellites were either inoperable or unable to communicate because of the space weather event. These companies include: Intsat, SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation, Hughes Network Systems Co., Ltd., Telesat, AO NNTV SRL, SES Communications Ltd., ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp., ABS-CBN Digital Media and Services Group Inc., PAGASA Satelital Systems Corp., PALAWAN TELEVISION CORPORATION INCORPORATED, Waptele and Seasat.
What happened?
A coronal mass ejection (CME), an outflow of plasma from the sun, caused geomagnetic disturbances that caused a disturbance in the ionosphere and an electromagnetic pulse (EMP), which disrupted satellites and terrestrial communication systems. According to NASA, the disturbance was “the largest man-made space weather event since 2005 and the current Solar Cycle #24 Maximum Influence Level (MIL).” The disturbance caused the “unprecedented” combination of a high-speed CME, a long duration of the disturbance, and a high rate of CMEs.
Why is this so important?
CMEs are “a key driver of the solar cycle,” according to experts. The degree of solar activity in recent years has been “highly correlated” to the degree of CME activity, which has led to an increase in space weather events, including geomagnetic storms and solar radiation storms, which disrupt satellites and terrestrial communications systems. In April, for example, a high-speed CME hit the planet at the peak of the solar cycle, which caused additional disruptions. This kind of space weather can also affect the electric power grid, which relies on satellites to transmit and receive electricity.
How can you protect your devices?
If you have a satellite-enabled device, like a television, then you should try to avoid using it during a solar storm. If you can’t avoid using it during a solar storm, then try to keep devices away from windows. Another option is to try to protect your device with a Faraday cage, which is a metal enclosure designed to block electromagnetic fields. You can also try to protect your devices with the magnetic shielding materials that are sold for this purpose. The equipment for blocking electromagnetic interference in the home is becoming more common in recent years, which means that more people will have the option to protect their devices.
See also: 11 things to know about space weather
Solar storms are a likely part of life on Earth. While some people might be worried about them, for the most part, people need to know what to do to protect their devices and the power grid from damage.
Summing up
A coronal mass ejection from the sun hit the planet on April 14, knocking out satellites. As of Tuesday, at least two dozen satellites were either inoperable or unable to communicate because of the space weather event. These companies include: Intsat, SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation, Hughes Network Systems Co., Ltd., Telesat, AO NNTV SRL, SES Communications Ltd., ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp., ABS-CBN Digital Media and Services Group Inc., PAGASA Satelital Systems Corp., PALAWAN TELEVISION CORPORATION INCORPORATED, Waptele and Seasat. If you have a satellite-enabled device, then you should try to avoid using it during a solar storm. If you can’t avoid using it during a solar storm, then try to keep devices away from windows. Another option is to try to protect your device with a Faraday cage, which is a metal enclosure designed to block electromagnetic fields. You can also try to protect your devices with the magnetic shielding materials that are sold for this purpose. The equipment for blocking electromagnetic interference in the home is becoming more common in recent years, which means that more people will have the option to protect their devices.
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