Active but dim aurora on February 3rd
The aurora borealis has been rather infrequent in appearances during my time here in Alaska, due to the current solar minimum. The sun has an eleven year cycle of activity, and the current lull has been recently be said to be the most severe in a century. Things are expected to turn around soon however, with activity already on the increase, and could reach a maximum by 2012.
NPR had
a story the other day about the fear the past few years have created a false sense of security. Airlines have greatly increased the number of transpolar flights, taking advantage of the solar minimum and new jets with longer range. With increased magnetic activity near the poles however, communications could be disrupted.
Some Londoners are even worried about satellite broadcast disruptions of the upcoming Summer Olympics there. It will be interesting to see what will happen as technology has become so much more advanced and a part of daily life than it was around the last maximum more than a decade ago.
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