Mark,
I'm guessing the radiation effects the data since it's highly magnetic.
Back in my day, we were not only worried about the electronics, but us humans as well!  :o

I have never seen the sun so active for so long.  Our sun has a 22 year cycle from high to high, eleven year cycle from high to low.  Our sun should be ready to take a nap, but like a grumpy child it is not listening to us!  ;D

I hope our earth's magnetic field will keep working to protect us from some of the nasty solar radiation. 

Stay well...
Lou