Solar flare could disrupt radio communications
Experts warn that a solar flare is affecting Earth, which could lead to stunning auroras but may also cause some disruptions in radio communications.
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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center in Colorado issued an alert on Saturday regarding the effects of a solar flare. While the alert stated there is no cause for concern, it noted that while auroras might be visible, some disruptions in communications could occur.
According to a report in Sözcü, NOAA stated that the geomagnetic storm could disrupt high-frequency radio transmissions, such as those used by aircraft attempting to communicate with air traffic control towers. Jonathan Lash of NOAA said that most commercial aircraft can use satellite transmissions as a backup.
The storm could also cause problems for satellite operators in tracking their spacecraft.
Lash said, "For the general public, if you have clear skies at night and you are at higher latitudes, this will be a great opportunity to see the sky light up."
The Sun's magnetic field flips every 11 years, and solar activity changes during this cycle. Lash said that such geomagnetic storms can hit Earth several times a year.
Radio communications were also disrupted during a sky event in December, which was the largest solar flare in recent years.