S. Korea issues solar warning alert

SEOUL, Aug. 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korea issued a solar warning alert on Saturday and informed telecommunication and transportation companies to expect disruptions in communication-related services.
The Radio Research Agency (RRA) said that a sizeable solar flare occurred at 3 a.m. and that the large amount of energy released from the phenomenon could disrupt both wireless and fixed line communication, navigation, global position systems and satellite communications.
It also said that high frequency communications and problems with eclectic power systems may occur when the energy released by the flare hits the Earth's magnetic field.
The "caution" alarm raised is the second highest in a five-tiered system, with the institute warning that disruptions could last over an hour.
A solar flare is a brightening of the sun's surface, which is a sign that large amounts of energy have been released by the star. The development causes a release of electrons, atoms and other particles into space.
The RRA under the Korea and Communications Commission said that it is carefully getting information on follow-up flare ups and advised airliners, shipping lines, telecommunications companies and media outlets to guard against sudden problems.
yonngong@yna.co.kr