Solar Activity

Our engineering experts design our spacecraft to specifically handle the harsh conditions in space, including solar flares. We are always aware of current solar activity and do not expect any impact on our fleet.

As the sun moves into the peak of its 11-year storm cycle, scientists have developed better forecasts for potentially damaging space weather. No one can predict which month or week will be the worst, but this year's predicted solar maximum means Earth can expect several onsets of excess charged particles and sometimes accompanying magnetic storms. Not only spacecraft but also ground-based radio and the North American Power Grid may be affected by these solar storms if not appropriately engineered.

NASA's Advanced Composition Explorer spacecraft, orbiting one million miles (1.6 million kilometers) from Earth, has a magnetometer and a particle detector aboard that can warn of the solar bursts about 45 minutes before they reach the atmosphere. This advanced information can help protect satellites and their users.

If you are interested in learning more about solar storms and other solar activity, visit www.spaceweather.com.