It seems unlikely that our beloved GPS signals will have any problems, but NOAA is taking note. Below is a piece from outsideonline.com. Here is a link to the NOAA site. If any nwyachting.com readers notice any problems, please let us know and we’ll get the word out. –KH
Solar Storms Threaten Gadgets This Weekend
Mass events could disrupt power and communication
A pair of solar events has the potential to disrupt power and GPS this Friday and Saturday,according to the U.S. Space Weather Center.
Two coronal mass ejections—enormous discharges of plasma—will create magnetic storms when they interact with the earth’s magnetic field. These storms have the potential to disrupt power and communications infrastructure. Space Weather Center director Thomas Berger told Bloomberg that these storms are not expected to cause widespread outages, but the potential for disruptions to power grids and GPS remains.
On the other hand, increased solar activity also brings the potential for a more active aurora on Friday and Saturday nights. If you’re at higher latitude—Boston, Chicago, or Seattle—consider escaping city light pollution and seeking out a clear view. But maybe don’t plan on relying on your GPS to get home.