5 stormwatch satellites launched

A Delta II rocket leaves a smoke trail after lifting off from Cape Canaveral today. Photo / Reuters

Five satellites have been launched into space from Cape Canaveral to investigate electromagnetic storms. The satellites were launched aboard an unmanned Delta rocket, after a delay in the launch originally scheduled for yesterday.

The $200 million mission is expected to help scientists develop better forecasting techniques for potentially dangerous solar storms, which can knock out power grids and other satellites. The storms can even force airlines to abandon polar routes because of loss of radio contact.

The solar storms are better known for triggering the aurorae near the North and South Poles, usually referred to as the northern and southern lights.

- NEWSTALK ZB