Magnetic Pole Reversion of the Sun

[theCorvetteDoctor]

The last time this happened was 1989. The NE USA had major power outages from the huge sun storms and solar flares. The purpose of this note is to discuss the possibility of corruption of data on magnetic storage media. Many medical personnell advise against sun-tanning this summer because of the increased radiation. This pole reversal happens every 11 years. On a trip across Kansas in 89, my CB radio would only transmit/recieve about 100yds. This is not a joke, I'm concerned about data loss.. most sincerely theCorvetteDoctor@go.com

[Dkay]

Thanks for the warning
Wonder how the best was is to protect data?

[daveleau]

Very interesting observation. I hope we have no problems. How long does it take for the change to occur?
Dave

[Eli]

Put everything on CD. It's not magnetic, therefore no problems.

[KillerBug]

Get giant lead plates and put them over your windows!

[Susan]

Yep, I was thinking that we may have to borrow some of those lead jackets they use in the hospital and doctors office's.

[theCorvetteDoctor]

Naa, the easy way is just to put your floppys in a metal box. We're talking mostly about radio wave-length radiation here so a filing cabinet will do just fine, FYI, a "AM" radio will do for spot monitoring of excessive emissions days so you know to wear extra suntan lotion, just tune off-station(am) and listen for a 60 cycle hum. The question of duration of this event is no doubt debatible, however I'd imagine it will be months. The core of such a large body will be slow to move, in Earth time anyway. I'll check with the "Microwave News" and an astronomer friend and see if they have any info of relevance. thanks for not laughing, out loud anyway, DrVette

[theCorvetteDoctor]

I haven't seen any info yet regarding the storage issue. Some occurances during the stronger storms include aurora visible as far south as the equator and animal migration disrupted. will post when relevant information is available to me.