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A major electromagnetic storm from a solar flare reached Earth Monday, causing power distribution, cell phone outages and other problems. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasters in Boulder, Colo., observed the eruption of the geomagnetic storm Sunday and classified it as an extreme event. Forecasters said the event measured at the highest level on the NOAA Space Weather Scales. "This event registered a 9 on the K-Index, which measures the maximum deviation of the Earth's magnetic field in a given three-hour period," said Gayle Nelson, lead operations specialist at NOAA Space Environment Center. "The scale ranges from 0 to 9, with 9 being the highest. This was a significant event." Such a geomagnetic storm might result in widespread power system voltage control problems on Earth, while some electrical grid systems might experience a complete collapse or blackouts, according to NOAA. In addition, transformers could be damaged, while satellite and spacecraft operations might experience extensive surface charging. All rights reserved. © 2005 United Press International. Sections of the information displayed on this page (dispatches, photographs, logos) are protected by intellectual property rights owned by United Press International. As a consequence, you may not copy, reproduce, modify, transmit, publish, display or in any way commercially exploit any of the content of this section without the prior written consent of United Press International. Related Links SpaceDaily Search SpaceDaily Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express 
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Huntsville AL (SPX) May 06, 2005There's a myth about the sun. Teachers teach it. Astronomers repeat it. NASA mission planners are mindful of it. |
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