For Release: June 15, 2001
Satellite Interview: 01-210
Attention: Early Evening Producer
Thursday, June 21
5-8 p.m EDT
10-minute windows – with B-roll
Recent solar activity spectacular; scientists study, track ‘space weather’
to understand how solar flares affect our lives.
Within the last three months, solar scientists have seen some of the largest
solar flare eruptions since the 1970s – some even interfered with satellite
transmissions.
These occurred during the solar max, a period of increased activity that
occurs every 11 years.
Increased solar activity impacts satellites, telecommunications and power
distribution.
Experts study these events to better predict how solar flares affect our
lives.
Researchers will watch this week’s total solar eclipse over the Southern
Hemisphere for a clearer view of solar eruptions only seen during an
eclipse.
A NASA scientist has developed more reliable solar forecasting techniques
that could help in better predictions about space “weather” – the natural
events in space that affect us on Earth.
Talk to him about why the study of the Sun is important to all of us.
Who:
Dr. David Hathaway
Solar Physics Group Leader
Marshall Space Flight Center
Satellite Coordinates:
GE-2, Transponder 9C,
85 degrees west longitude,
Frequency: 3880 MHz, audio: 6.8 MHz.
Satellite Interview Information:
Mick Speer
(256) 544-3234 or
Jack Robertson
(256) 544-1517
Story Information:
Steve Roy, Media Relations
(256) 544-0034
