Here Comes the Sun

August 25, 2005

Solar flares create geomagnetic disturbances that can wreak havoc with communications on Earth, says USU researcher Jan Sojka. Scientists suspect solar wind caused the 1998 malfunction of the Galaxy IV satellite that knocked out pagers, radio and TV broadcasts, ATMs and pay at the gas pump service for millions of customers. Inclement space weather can also disrupt flight and maritime navigation systems.

For more information, contact Jan Josef Sojka, professor and department head, Physics Department, and assistant director, Center for Atmospheric and Space Sciences, Utah State University, 435-797-2964.

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