~e; Geomagnetic Storm WARNING

[brian carroll <human@electronetwork.org>]

[via drudgereport.com - maybe this this why the radio was
on the blink. past events have impacted infrastructure...]

May 15, 2005 — Forecasters at the NOAA Space Environment Center in 
Boulder, Colo., observed a geomagnetic storm on Sunday, May 15, which 
they classified as an extreme event, measuring G-5—the highest level—on 
the NOAA Space Weather Scales. (image...)

"This event registered a 9 on the K-Index, which measures the maximum 
deviation of the Earth's magnetic field in a given three-hour period," 
said Gayle Nelson, lead operations specialist at NOAA Space Environment 
Center. "The scale ranges from 0 to 9, with 9 being the highest. This 
was a significant event."

Possible impacts from such a geomagnetic storm include widespread power 
system voltage control problems; some grid systems may experience 
complete collapse or blackouts. Transformers may experience damage. 
Spacecraft operations may experience extensive surface charging; 
problems with orientation; uplink/downlink and tracking satellites. 
Satellite navigation may be degraded for days, and low-frequency radio 
navigation can be out for hours. Reports received by the NOAA Space 
Environment Center indicate that such impacts have been observed in the 
United States.

NOAA forecasters said the probability of another major event of this 
type is unlikely, however, other minor level (G-1) geomagnetic storms 
are possible within the next 24 hours.

This event was forecast by NOAA as the result of a solar flare that 
occurred on Friday, May 13.
...

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2005/s2437.htm


  
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