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Fireworks for Thanksgiving

By Arlene Fleming, About.com

The sun has been putting on a solar spot show over the past month. Its effects so far include blackouts in Sweden, damage of satellites, and planes flying lower in the northern hemisphere to avoid exposing passengers to radiation. Since the end of October, the sun has been very active, and this could just affect air travel.

The sun gets afflicted with sunspots. It is not the burn that we experience, however, sunspots are markings that give scientists fair warning that the sun is having some strange activities occurring.

But why are sunspots dangerous for travel? Sunspots give evidence of an impending solar storm. Solar storms can cause, most notably, electrical problems on earth in the form of blackouts and the like, and may expose air travelers to additional radiation. In the face of a solar storm, companies do take action, power companies try to protect from surges and malfunctions. Many airlines will fly at lower altitudes than normal to protect their passengers and crews.

But why is this important for Thanksgiving? There is a possibility that a solar storm or burst of some form will happen at some point around Thanksgiving. The effects could of course be minor, however the possibility of flight disruptions, or exposure to higher levels of radiation could be factors.

A happy Thanksgiving in the skies? Solar flare ups are not precursors to flight delays, but it is important to consider that given the very active sun happenings that have been occurring above us over the past several weeks, the forecast beyond the clouds may have effects on air travel.

All in time for Thanksgiving, the skyworks may continue!

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