Solar Storms

[Sam Lee]

That's the happening around the astro corner, isn't it. Just also recently, I found that StarHub seems to be shutting down their mobile service now and then. The same thing happen to others that are using Starhub mobile service. Its seems that this only happen at midnight. Is this because they are shutting down their satelite to prevent damages cause by the storm?

Regards,
Sam Lee

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We are the Borg, Resistance is Futile.

--> I'm a Star Trekker!

[weixing]

Hi,
I don't think so... But I'm quite worry for those who use a pacemaker... the solar storm could interrupt the pacemaker... Hope that this does happen...

[Airconvent]

That's the happening around the astro corner, isn't it. Just also recently, I found that StarHub seems to be shutting down their mobile service now and then. The same thing happen to others that are using Starhub mobile service. Its seems that this only happen at midnight. Is this because they are shutting down their satelite to prevent damages cause by the storm?
Regards,
Sam Lee

Well, firstly for local calls, no one use the satellite since the link usage cost money! Anyway, we have enough base stations for 99+% coverage. Secondly, being in the equator, we are the least effected.

Also, scientists can merely shut down the satellite during the storm. However, such storms heat up our upper atmosphere which causes it to expand and satellites orbiting in a vacuum suddenly find themselves inside out atmosphere and being slowed down by air resistance. Those with no fuel for manoeuvring will eventually be knocked out of orbit...

In any case, I did not encounter any disruptions for Singtel mobile network the past few days but do not use it after midnight, so its not conclusive.

rich