The researchers obtained their findings from coordinated in-situ measurements by the ESA's four Cluster satellites and two Chinese-ESA Double Star satellites. The scientists said they are now creating a model to determine how the changes affect orbiting satellites, including GPS systems.

Solar activity affects all satellites, and that, the ESA said, is why monitoring and forecasting its impact on near-Earth space is becoming increasingly critical to safeguarding daily life on Earth.

"With these detailed observations, we'll be able to plug in data and better estimate what happens to the inner magnetosphere and near-Earth space during such explosions on the sun", said Iannis Dandouras, lead author of the study.

"Looking at such large-scale physical phenomena with a single satellite is akin to predicting the impact of a tsunami with a single buoy," added Matt Taylor of the ESA. "With Cluster and Double Star we have monitored both sides of Earth simultaneously, and obtained valuable in-situ data."

The research appeared in the journal Advances in Space Research.

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Mumbai (AFP) March 12, 2009
Policymakers need to step up efforts to cut smoking rates in Asia to prevent an "epidemic" of tobacco-related lung disease, a conference here was told Thursday.