„….A Menlo Park research institute has built two prototypes of a unique radar system for studying the solar disturbances that can disrupt cell phones, satellite communications and other electronic gear used increasingly by businesses…..

…..That is a crucial area of research, experts say, because of the increasing reliance by businesses and others on the types of technology that can go haywire during disruptions of the upper atmosphere caused by solar winds and other phenomena…..

…..Among the most troublesome disturbances in the Earth's upper atmosphere are geomagnetic storms produced by so-called solar winds, which are blasts of electrified gas spit out by the sun….

..... Solar storms also can disrupt satellite-borne computers, flow meters in oil pipelines, wireless cell phones, pagers, global positioning systems and high-frequency radio….”

Aug 3, 2005  http://www.siliconvalley.com/mld/siliconvalley/business/technology/12292195.htm