Some scientists are trying to stop the expansion of 5G cellular networks. Boulder, Colorado — Some meteorologists are concerned that the expansion of the 5G cellular network could interfere with satellite observations and reduce the effectiveness of weather forecasts. The Earth’s atmosphere naturally emits radio waves. Satellite sensors pick up those radio waves and convert
Some scientists are trying to stop the expansion of 5G cellular networks.
Boulder, Colorado — Some meteorologists are concerned that the expansion of the 5G cellular network could interfere with satellite observations and reduce the effectiveness of weather forecasts.
The Earth’s atmosphere naturally emits radio waves. Satellite sensors pick up those radio waves and convert them into meteorological data such as temperature and water vapor.
These radio waves are very weak and travel at very specific frequencies.
“And those frequencies, which are about half a dozen of them, are a gift from nature, and they are the only ones that work this way,” said meteorologist Bill Mahony. National Atmospheric Research Center (NCAR).
According to Mahony, 90% of the data entered into the computer prediction model comes from information about these radio waves.
The problem for meteorologists is that mobile carriers want to buy those frequencies from the government.
According to Mahony, only certain frequencies are suitable for communication, and these frequencies are highly sought after because they can transmit data through the metal of a car or the walls of a house.
And they can support more users.
He said the government had already avoided some frequencies that could affect the weather forecast, and they soon expressed their willingness to sell more of them.
The only way cellular carriers can extend their 5th generation cellular networks, known as 5G, is to add a wider range of frequencies.
The frequencies sold are in the 24GHz range.
This is very close to the 23.8GHz signal emitted by water vapor. Mahony fears that 5G cell activity will bleed and disrupt meteorological satellites.
He said meteorological satellites could interpret cell activity as water vapor, which would render one of the most important elements of the weather forecast unusable.
“If we lose or interfere with data from these passive channels, we can bring our weather forecasting skills back 30 years,” says Mahoney.
Mahony and other scientists testified in House Committee Meeting On July 20th, we will try to stop the expansion, or at least delay the expansion.
“I’m optimistic that we’ll be able to protect these channels someday, and maybe we can implement a solution,” he said.
Mahony says he wants to successfully extend the 5G cellular network and wants more time to study the impact so that the atmospheric science community can come up with alternative solutions.
“And we think the federal government should probably use some of the funding from these frequency auctions to fund some additional research,” he said. .. “To give you a better understanding of what the problematic space really is.”
> A top story curated daily just for you! Sign up for 9NEWSLETTER Deliver unmissable stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more directly to your inbox.
Recommended video: Science is cool
Other ways to get 9NEWS
How to add 9NEWS apps to your streaming device
ROKU: Add a channel from ROKU store Or search for KUSA.
On both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for “9news” to find free apps to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have an app Delivered directly to Fire TV Through Amazon.
Leave a Comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *