It’s that time of year again when solar outages can temporarily disrupt satellite TV reception, particularly affecting weaker channels and services. This post explains what’s happening, why it’s normal, when it’s expected, and how long the brief interference can last, so you’re not caught off guard.

Twice a year, around the spring and autumn equinoxes, the sun aligns directly behind geostationary satellites, overwhelming their signals with strong solar radiation. In the Northern Hemisphere this typically occurs in February and March before the spring equinox (and again in September and October after the autumn equinox). During those days, broadcasts and services dependent on satellite links — including TV, internet and radio — may briefly lose signal or degrade.

For this March 2025 outing, the peak interference is expected late morning, roughly between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM local time, lasting up to about 20 minutes each day as the sun passes directly behind the satellite.

There’s no cause for alarm — this is a well-understood natural occurrence. Once the sun moves out of perfect alignment, normal satellite reception returns automatically with no permanent damage to your equipment or service.

What Influences the Outage

• Location of your satellite receiver: Depending on where you are geographically, the exact timing and duration can vary slightly.
• Dish size and alignment: Larger dishes often experience shorter and weaker outages than smaller setups.
• Satellite position: The specific orbit and position of the satellite being used for your service influences interference intensity.

Why It Happens

At certain times of the year, Earth’s orbit brings the sun directly behind a satellite along your dish’s line of sight. Because the sun emits powerful radio waves and broad spectrum radiation, its signal can temporarily override the satellite’s broadcast signal before and after it aligns perfectly behind the satellite.

Solar outages are predictable, and many broadcasters and service providers alert customers in advance to reduce confusion or service calls.

Tips for the Outage Period

• Don’t adjust your equipment — the outage is temporary and will resolve once the alignment shifts.

• Use this moment for maintenance — check for obstructions like tree branches or shrubs blocking your dish, which can cause signal issues unrelated to the solar event.

• If you’re experiencing other service issues outside the expected time frame or for longer than about 15–20 minutes, contact your service provider — it might be unrelated to the solar outage.

Solar outage periods are an annual event and a natural part of satellite TV and communications. Understanding what they are helps eliminate confusion and lets you plan around the few minutes of disruption.

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