GPS World - February 2008 - (Page 16)

THE BUSINESS » UTILITIES & COMMUNICATIONS Solar Cycle Could Disrupt GPS, Communications A new 11-year cycle of heightened solar activity, bringing with it increased risks for military and civilian communications, including GPS signals, showed signs it was on it its way with the appearance of the cycle's first sunspot, p THE FIRST OFFICIAL sunspot belonging NOAA scientists to the new Solar Cycle 24 is an early said January 4. omen of increasing solar storms. The sunspot appeared in the sun’s Northern Hemisphere, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). “This sunspot is like the first robin of spring,” said solar physicist Douglas Biesecker of Nova’s Space Weather Prediction Center. “In this case, it’s an Source: NOAA NavSync GPS Timing Solutions NavSync offers GPS-based Timing Solutions for all precision timing and synchronization applications. OEM GPS Timing Engine GPS Timing Module Integrated Timing Module 25 nsec Accuracy to UTC Low Signal GPS Tracking and Acquisition Stratum-Level Holdover 1 PPS Time Synchronization Precision Frequency Output Low Phase Noise CW12-TIM CW25-TIM early omen of solar storms that will gradually increase over the next few years.” A sunspot is an area of highly organized magnetic activity on the surface of the sun. The new 11-year cycle, called solar cycle 24, is expected to build gradually, with the number of sunspots and solar storms reaching a maximum by 2011 or 2012, though devastating storms can occur at any time, according to NOAA. During a solar storm, highly charged material ejected from the sun may head toward Earth, where it can bring down power grids, disrupt critical communications, and threaten astronauts with harmful radiation. Storms can also knock out commercial communications satellites and swamp GPS signals. Routine activities such as talking on a cell phone or getting money from an ATM could suddenly halt over a large part of the globe, NOAA warned. “Our growing dependence on highly sophisticated, space-based technologies means we are far more vulnerable to space weather today than in the past,” said Vice Admiral Conrad C. Schoolteacher, Jr., undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “[NOAA’s] space weather monitoring and forecasts are critical for the nation’s ability to function smoothly during solar disturbances.” In April 2007, in coordination with an international panel of solar experts, NOAA issued a forecast that solar cycle 24 would start in March 2008, plus or minus six (Continued on page 17) » SURVEY & CONSTRUCTION Javad GNSS Names Machine Control VP Javad GNSS Inc. has appointed Zdenko (Kuzo) Kurtovic, former CEO of GeoAstor and Swissat, as vice president of Machine Control & GIS, a new division of Javad GNSS. Kurtovic has 20 years of experience in the surveying industry, and for the past 17 years has been the CEO of Swiss-based GeoAstor and Swissat. Javad GNSS is in the process of introducing new GNSS technology for all applications, including complete sets of hardware and software for precision applications, according to the company. Kurtovic’s experience as a systems integrator and knowledge of real-time GIS mapping will benefit the company, Javad GNSS said. He will also provide direction in product development and marketing. www.gpsworld.com Call us with your custom, timing, |or navigation requirements CW46 www.navsync.com 16 GPS World | February 2008 http://www.navsync.com http://www.navsync.com http://www.gpsworld.com

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GPS World - February 2008 Contents Out in Front Expert Advice Galileo's Second Coming Soon UPS First to Use ADS-B European Industry Group Galileo Validation 2008 Antenna Survey Tsumani Detection by GPS Classifieds Advertisers Index Seen + Heard

GPS World - February 2008

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