New Delhi: The risk of radio blackouts around the Earth has increased due to powerful energy bursts and charged particles being released by the Sun. The sudden spike in space-weather activity could temporarily affect satellite communications, navigation systems and high-frequency radio services. Keeping a close watch on the situation, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has stepped up monitoring of its space assets.
According to space-weather experts, solar phenomena such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) can sharply raise ionisation levels in the upper atmosphere. When this happens, radio waves used for long-distance communication are absorbed by the ionosphere instead of being reflected, potentially disrupting aviation, maritime communications and emergency services. If the disturbances are strong enough, television signals, radar systems and even power grids could also be affected.
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Increased Stress on Satellites, Real-Time Monitoring Critical
ISRO is currently maintaining continuous surveillance over more than 50 Indian satellites to ensure that any communication loss or abnormal behaviour is addressed immediately. Scientists are drawing key inputs from data provided by Aditya-L1, which is helping decode how solar storms interact with Earth’s magnetic shield.
Previous studies have shown that when a powerful solar eruption strikes the Earth, it can compress the planet’s magnetic field. This increases exposure of satellites in orbit to charged particles, making operating conditions more unstable. This is why real-time tracking and swift response mechanisms are considered vital for safeguarding space infrastructure.
How Radio Blackouts Occur
Experts explain that solar flares and CMEs trigger geomagnetic storms that accelerate particles and generate electric currents in the upper atmosphere. These rapid changes alter the ionospheric structure, destabilising radio frequencies. As a result, temporary navigation errors, short-term outages in satellite sensors and interruptions in radio links can occur.
While such events do not pose a direct threat to life on the ground, their practical impact on technology-dependent services is significant. Satellites in low Earth orbit may face increased atmospheric drag during geomagnetic disturbances, leading to gradual orbital decay and necessitating corrective manoeuvres to maintain altitude.
Sun Moving Into a More Active Phase
Scientists say the Sun is entering a more active phase of its 11-year solar cycle, a period marked by more frequent and intense solar events. This has prompted space agencies and operators to not only protect existing space assets but also prepare ground-based systems such as air-traffic control and communication networks for possible disruptions.
What Lies Ahead
As conditions evolve, new advisories on space weather may be issued. Industries and service providers are being advised to keep contingency plans ready to manage potential disruptions. Experts stress that transparent information, timely warnings and coordinated responses can significantly reduce the impact of solar storms.
Amid rapidly changing space-weather conditions, the warning underscores the vulnerability of modern communication infrastructure—and the need for constant vigilance, where science, technology and preparedness work together to manage emerging risks.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
