[Psml] Non-GPS Navigation

[C. Henry Depew]

Greetings!
AP and/or JN Anyone?

      According to published reports, there may 
be GPS navigational problems in 2011 and 
2012.  The next solar maximum is projected for 
2012 (search on the web for "solar maximum 
2012"). The last time we had a major hit a good 
many of the satellites ceased working or did not 
work properly.  There is a good deal of 
conjecture at this point about how intense the 
solar activity will be and how much it will 
affect satellite and electric power grid operations.
      One group of researchers, a team at the 
National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), 
announced that a storm is coming--the most 
intense solar maximum in fifty years.  If 
correct, the years ahead could produce a burst of 
solar activity second only to the historic Solar 
Max of 1958.  Another group, the Marshall Space 
Flight Center, noted that Solar Cycle 24,  is due 
to peak in 2010 or 2011 and "
 looks like its 
going to be one of the most intense cycles since 
record-keeping began almost 400 years 
ago."  According to the experts, when a gust of 
solar wind hits Earth's magnetic field, the 
impact causes the magnetic field to shake. If it 
shakes hard enough, we call it a geomagnetic 
storm." In the extreme, these storms cause power 
outages and make compass needles swing in the 
wrong direction. Auroras are a beautiful side-effect.
      While the groups differ on exactly when the 
solar maximum will be, both groups agree that the 
intense radiation will affect everything in orbit 
that is not “hardened” and many satellites could 
be non-operational.  If the above specialists are 
correct and LORAN is no longer around, may I 
suggest that you-all get out your notes on AP and 
JN?  We may be navigating the "old way" with 
positions based on the boat's projected COG, 
compass readings (when they are working) or star 
sights (if our chronometer is accurate).  You 
might actually need some paper charts also.

P/C C. Henry Depew, SN
Crystal River