Solar Storms Could Knock Out GPS, Scientists Warn

Stephen Pope

Thursday, August 18, 2011 at 08:17 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A massive solar flare on August 9th, the largest since 2006, signals the beginning of an active solar storm season expected to cause intermittent disruptions for the next decade or longer.
These solar storms will primarily impact GPS approaches and satellite-based communications, potentially making GPS approaches unreliable and affecting vertical guidance in WAAS systems.
The solar cycle is predicted to intensify, peaking in 2013, with NOAA forecasting up to four "extreme" solar storms before the decade ends, which could also lead to power outages and broader communication disruptions.

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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.