Solar Flares Impact on Mobile Phones
On June 7, 2011, NASA captured a solar flare on film, prompting media speculation about the possible impact on mobile phones. None materialized. However, the sun is expected to enter an active period in the years following 2011, with activity peaking around 2013. Scientists expect an increase in solar activity during this time. Much has been made in the media about the effects of solar flares on Earth, because of their potential to impact our satellite systems, power grids and communications technology, including mobile phones.
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Solar Flares
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Solar flares are driven by the solar magnetic field. A solar flare results from the release of magnetic energy, a phenomenon associated with sunspots. The sun releases a powerful burst of radiation, which lasts from minutes to hours. This causes protons and electrons to accelerate, potentially causing a coronal mass ejection, which is a violent release of gas and magnetic fields, shooting out as much as a billion tons of matter at speeds of several million miles per hour.
The Earth's Defenses
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Flares contain photons, which travel in a straight line away from the sun. Because the particles released are charged, they follow magnetic field lines, most of which do not cross the Earth. Since a direct hit is unlikely, most solar flares have no impact on mobile phones. Even assuming a direct hit, the magnetic field and the atmosphere of the Earth serve as sufficient shields to protect the planet, although our communications system would be affected.
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Direct Effects
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Although the Earth's atmosphere and magnetic field protect it from direct effects, the same cannot be said for technologies in space, such as the satellites used in GPS systems. If a flare destroys a substantial portion of the satellite network, any mobile phone features that rely on satellites will no longer function. Terrestrial networks 2G, 3G, 4G and Wi-Fi will not be affected directly, but indirect effects of the solar flare can affect them.
Indirect Effects
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If high-energy particles impact the ionosphere, voltage forms between the Earth and the atmosphere. This renders the Earth ineffective as a ground; power systems will not operate correctly. This could cause extensive disruption to power grids and any mobile phone exchanges or network towers that do not have a back-up power source. The mobile phone itself will still operate, but it will lack the functions provided by the network and satellites.
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References
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