solar nastyness

Cisco has an error code that basically says that the system failed because of sunspots. I've seen this twice, and both times it's been an eye roller. Well, word has it that that code might become very familiar in the near future. Bunch of folks are noting that starting 2013-ish, we are going to be getting into one heck or a solar flair season (with this "season" lasting a long time).

"In a new warning, Nasa said the super storm would hit like “a bolt of lightning” and could cause catastrophic consequences for the world’s health, emergency services and national security unless precautions are taken.

Scientists believe it could damage everything from emergency services’ systems, hospital equipment, banking systems and air traffic control devices, through to “everyday” items such as home computers, iPods and Sat Navs.

Due to humans’ heavy reliance on electronic devices, which are sensitive to magnetic energy, the storm could leave a multi-billion pound damage bill and “potentially devastating” problems for governments. " - UK Telegraph

"What's special about this latest dip is that the sun is having trouble starting the next solar cycle. The sun began to calm down in late 2007, so no one expected many sunspots in 2008. But computer models predicted that when the spots did return, they would do so in force. Hathaway was reported as thinking the next solar cycle would be a "doozy": more sunspots, more solar storms and more energy blasted into space. Others predicted that it would be the most active solar cycle on record. The trouble was, no one told the sun." - NewScientist

"after-twenty-twelve-who-cares" - Slashdot