Space weather and our gadgets

A geomagnetic space storm (or a sun storm) caused by a solar eruption just like the one that was hurled toward us on Tuesday last weak will definitely strike again (just like it has before) and could wreak havoc across the IT universe. We have, so far, been lucky in the Southern Hemisphere with solar storms mainly hitting the other side of the globe. For example, China experienced severe disruptions to its telecommunications satellite systems as a result of the latest storm. In Australia, we experienced virtually nothing. Experts say, this is simply a stroke of luck that will not last.



Contemporary society is increasingly vulnerable to space weather because of our dependence on satellite systems for telecommunications, airline navigation, research, etc. According to the experts from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a powerful solar storm could interrupt the normal functioning of these technologies, fry satellites, cause power outages, interrupt air travel and cause enough damage to last weeks or even months. The risk so far has been quite small, but that is now increasing in leaps and bounds as the solar cycle is heading into a period of more intense activity in the coming 11 years. The sun is known to run on 11 year cycle regime – 11 years off, when the activity is minimal and 11 years on – when the sun's electromagnetic activity rages.



According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration "This is not a matter of if, it is simply a matter of when and how big," …and I would add, 'How ready we are for it?". When the sun was going through a maximum in its solar cycle about 10 years ago, the world was a very different place. And what happened then is not a correct indication of what may happen if a storm strikes now. Many things we rely on today (where would I be without my iPod and iPhone?) simply were not around 10 years ago…



The experts say that not much at all can be done about carefully predicting sun storms. The best we can do about knowing the mood in the centre of our solar system is by simple observation. We know about sun storms when they happen and after that we have about 48 hours to do something about it. For example, shutting off power to some vulnerable areas until the danger passes.



World governments are working on coordinated strategies to manage such occurencies (in particular those affecting the GPS networks as the world has grown highly dependent on them). However, there is not much out there written about those strategies.



Well, now that I have thoroughly depressed you on a Monday (which is quite fitting really). I will just have to cheer you up a bit. There are problems that you can actually prepare for and deal with! Isn't that great news ;) One of such manageable problems is making sure your computer (systems) is/are clean if viruses and functioning at optimum. All you need to do is to ensure that your computer is regularly maintained by a skilled IT professional. Mobile Geeks have no other! You are welcome to call on 1300 883 021 to speak to one of our geeks, who can help you with all your computer problems and make sure your computer is virus free.



Over and out



Mobile Geekette