Solar weather, especially solar storms, can affect satellites and long electric transmission lines. During the last solar maximum, the US Defence Dept. reported more than 300 satellite malfunctions per year. Even during low solar periods there are about 150 malfunctions a year. The problems are caused by the charged particles emitted by the sun. These particles affect Earth's magnetic field, pass through satellite electronics and so on.
Power lines can be at risk from currents induced by geomagnetic storms.
Whole power grids have been damaged in the past. Even NASA is concerned about the astronauts who will be working on the International Space Station during the upcoming solar maximum. Thanks this month go to Greg VE6GGY, Dave Clarke VE6LX, Dave. K. VE6DSK, OPDX Bulletin, ARRL electronic letter and the RAC Bulletin. Other RAES Events Coffee at the Boardwalk on Saturday Mornings at 0930 Pizza at 2130 hrs at the Kingsway Pizza Hut on Friday Evenings Club meetings on the second Thursday of each month at the Boilermakers Hall 14705 - 116 Ave.