'SOLAR MAXIMUM' THREATENS COMMUNICATIONS, NAVIGATION

U.S. authorities monitoring atmospheric conditions say solar activity is now at a maximum and could impact communication and navigation systems. Solar activity increases and decreases in a cycle that lasts about 11 years. NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have announced the sun has reached its “solar maximum period,” which could continue for the next year. During such periods, electromagnetic eruptions called solar flares occur on the surface of the sun. These phenomena could affect satellite-based navigation systems, radio communication, and power grids. They could also produce auroras at lower latitudes. In May, auroras triggered by solar flares were observed around the world. In the United States, GPS services were disrupted. The sun may already have been in a maximum period at the time.