Question: If something gets in the way of a satellite, then would it effect texts or calls?

Dilwar Hussain answered on 16 Nov 2013:

Hi dizzyg12,

Satellites work by transmitting radio signals from earth to the satellite which is orbiting the earth and then back again to other receivers on earth. There are a number of things that can effect a satellite ability to send back signals to earth affecting a lot of communication devices. For example a solar storm. So this is where the Sun spews out a huge amount of energy which is millions of degrees celcius (called plasma which are just electrons) and interact with the earth’s magnetic field. The Earth’s magnetic field are just invisible force that the Earth’s core produces and it protects the Earth from this solar storm. Sometimes, this storm can interfere with the satellites and damage them because they so hot and because the solar storm is charged. So it can affect more than just texts but also power grids for electricity, blackouts in cities and many other effects. I hope that answers your question