Solar Interference

My cable company sent me an email message today where they talked about the affect that the sun has on satellite transmissions. Here is a clip from their message:

Solar interference is just what it sounds like. As the sun moves lower in the sky each day, there are times when it is in direct line behind a signal-sending satellite. While the antenna dish on the ground is aimed skyward to receive transmissions, the interference from the sun overrides the satellite’s signals. Zap. Tile. Freeze. Aargh.

I sometimes forget that cable is not all about "cables" but depends heavily upon signals from outer space. I wonder what other industries are affected by this kind of interference.