Media Advisory: 00-135

 For Release: April 17, 2000


                  Attention: Morning
             Producers/Weathercasters
                     Friday, April 21
                     6-9:40 a.m. EDT
              10 Minute Windows--With B-Roll


 Huge space storms affect everyday living on Earth; More
 storms predicted

      Giant space storms, triggered by solar flares and coronal mass
      ejections, disturb Earth's magnetic fields.
      The storms affect satellites, cell phones and electric power grids.
      The most recent ones were in early April -- and more may be on
      the way.
      A single storm in 1998 packed up to 300 billion watts of electricity
      -- 30 times more than the 1999 summer peak power usage in
      New York City. Larger space storms are expected.
      The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, are the most visible result
      of these storms.
      NASA satellites with highly sophisticated equipment help
      scientists predict and analyze storms.
      A scientist will talk about space weather's importance and answer
      your questions.

 Who:
                                Dr. Jim Spann
                                Space scientist
                                Marshall Space Flight Center
 Satellite Windows:
                                10 minutes
 Satellite Coordinates:
                                GE-2, Transponder 9C,
                                85 degrees west longitude,
                                Frequency: 3880 MHz, audio: 6.8
                                MHz.
 Satellite Interview Information:
 Lindsey Rawl, Producer
 (256) 544-2228
 Beeper (256) 544-1183 PIN 0025
                                Story Information:
                                Steve Roy, Media Relations
                                (256) 544-0034