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Solar Storms Could Knock Out GPS, Scientists Warn

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Key Takeaways:

  • A recent massive solar flare signals the beginning of an active solar storm cycle, predicted to intensify and peak around 2013, causing intermittent disruptions for a decade or longer.
  • These solar storms will likely impact GPS approaches, particularly affecting vertical guidance for Wide-Area Augmentation Systems (WAAS), and satellite-based communications.
  • Scientists anticipate increased frequency and intensity of solar eruptions, including several "extreme" storms that could also lead to power outages, though FAA observations note minimal WAAS disruption so far.
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A massive explosion on the surface of the sun on Aug. 9 sent a wave of radiation sweeping outward into space in a scene that will likely spell intermittent trouble for GPS approaches and satellite-based communications for the next decade or perhaps longer, according to scientists.

It was the largest solar flare since 2006 and heralded the coming of an active solar storm season, the National Business Aviation Association warned on its website.

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