What happens if you don’t put your phone in airplane mode? - Lindsay DeMarchi

Summary

The video script explores the invisible world of radio waves that permeate our surroundings, highlighting how these waves are integral to modern technology like cell phones, GPS, and computers. It explains that if visible, the powerful signal from a phone would be seen from as far as Jupiter. The script delves into the mechanics of cell phone communication, illustrating how they emit electromagnetic waves to connect to networks, and how cell towers manage these calls by assigning unique wavelengths to each phone. It also addresses the challenges of interference due to the increasing demand for these wavelengths, especially with the advent of Wi-Fi. The video warns about the potential negative impact of radio wave interference on astronomy, as radio telescopes require a clear signal to study the cosmos. It concludes with a cautionary note on the need for radio silence to maintain our connection to the universe and the stars.

Takeaways

• 📶 Invisible radio waves are ubiquitous, carrying information for various technologies like computers, GPS, and cell phones.
• 🌌 If visible to the human eye, the strength of a phone's radio wave signal could be seen from as far as Jupiter.
• 🛂 Airplane mode isn't for your safety but to prevent interference with the flight's electronic systems from active cell phones.
• 📱 Cell phones emit electromagnetic waves, specifically radio waves, to connect to networks, and these waves have different wavelengths.
• 🔋 The further a phone is from a cell tower, the more battery power it uses to send a stronger signal to connect.
• 🔵 Cell towers assign unique wavelengths (like different colors) to each call to prevent crosstalk between calls.
• 🎨 The limited number of available wavelengths is causing interference issues, especially with the rise in Wi-Fi and other wireless technologies.
• 🚨 During emergencies, the high volume of signals can overwhelm cell towers, leading to dropped calls and connectivity issues.
• ✈️ Phones on planes emit very strong signals, which can interfere with ground-based signals if they are not in airplane mode.
• 🌟 The increasing use of radio waves for communication is affecting radio astronomy, as the protected wavelength ranges for telescopes are not always respected.
• 🌍 Despite the global saturation of radio waves, there are still some areas where radio telescopes can operate with less interference, allowing for deep space observations.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of using airplane mode on phones during flights?

The primary purpose of using airplane mode on phones during flights is to prevent interference with the aircraft's communication systems and to protect other passengers' devices from the potentially disruptive signals emitted by the phone.

How do cell phones connect to networks?

Cell phones connect to networks by emitting information in the form of electromagnetic waves, specifically radio waves, which occupy a certain band of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Why do phones expend more battery power when trying to connect to a cell tower from a distance?

Phones expend more battery power when trying to connect from a distance because they need to send a higher amplitude signal to reach the cell tower, which requires more energy.

How do cell towers manage multiple calls without interference?

Cell towers manage multiple calls without interference by assigning each phone involved in a call its own specific wavelength, which acts like a unique color to ensure that calls do not overlap.

What is the impact of the increased demand for radio wavelengths due to Wi-Fi?

The increased demand for radio wavelengths due to Wi-Fi has led to a dramatic rise in the competition for ownership of these wavelengths, making it increasingly difficult to avoid interference.

Why is it problematic for phones to search for signals from thousands of meters in the sky?

It is problematic because phones on planes are very far from cell towers and work overtime to send the loudest signals they can, which can disrupt the signals of phones on the ground when the plane gets unexpectedly close to a cell tower.

How does not using airplane mode on a flight act as a radio jammer?

Not using airplane mode on a flight acts as a radio jammer by sending out giant radio waves that interfere with nearby signals, potentially disrupting communication systems.

What is the impact of rogue radio waves emitted by electronics on our internet and calls?

Rogue radio waves emitted by electronics can slow down our internet and make our calls choppy, leading consumers to pay for more bandwidth and service providers to take over more of the radio spectrum.

Why is the radio spectrum important for radio telescopes used in astronomy?

The radio spectrum is important for radio telescopes because it allows them to observe a specific band of wavelengths that are crucial for seeing deep into space and studying celestial bodies.

How do 5G networks potentially interfere with radio telescope observations?

5G networks potentially interfere with radio telescope observations because they operate in a frequency range that overlaps with the range used by radio telescopes, which can drown out the weaker signals from space that the telescopes are trying to detect.

What are the consequences of the increasing saturation of radio waves on our ability to observe the cosmos?

The increasing saturation of radio waves can lead to a situation where nowhere on Earth is truly radio quiet, which hampers the ability of radio telescopes to observe the cosmos without interference, potentially blinding us to signals from deep space.

What measures can be taken to minimize the impact of radio wave interference on both daily communication and astronomical observations?

Measures to minimize the impact of radio wave interference include using airplane mode on flights, enforcing stricter regulations on the use of the radio spectrum, developing technology to better filter out rogue signals, and creating designated radio quiet zones for astronomical observations.

Outlines

00:00

📡 Invisible Signals and Radio Waves

This paragraph introduces the concept of invisible signals, specifically radio waves, which are all around us. It explains that these waves are used for communication between various devices like computers, GPS systems, and cell phones. The strength of a phone's signal is highlighted by the hypothetical scenario where if we could see radio waves, a phone's signal would be visible from as far as Jupiter. The paragraph also touches on the issue of interference from various sources and the importance of assigning different wavelengths to different phones to avoid signal overlap. It further explains the process of how a phone connects to a cell tower and the challenges of managing multiple signals, especially during emergencies or when devices like phones on airplanes are involved.

Keywords

💡Radio Waves

Radio waves are a type of electromagnetic wave with relatively long wavelengths that can carry information over large distances. In the context of the video, they are used to transmit data between various devices such as computers, GPS systems, and cell phones. The video emphasizes the strength of these waves by suggesting that if visible, a phone's signal could be seen from as far as Jupiter, highlighting the pervasiveness of radio waves in our daily lives.

💡Electromagnetic Spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum is the range of all possible frequencies of electromagnetic radiation. It includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays. The video discusses radio waves, a specific part of this spectrum, which are used for communication. The script mentions imagining different wavelengths of radio waves as different colors to illustrate the variety of signals that can exist simultaneously.

💡Cell Tower

A cell tower, also known as a cellular base station, is a type of structure that creates a network of radio signals to provide mobile phone coverage. The video explains that when making a call, a phone sends a radio wave signal to the nearest cell tower, which then relays the signal to the recipient's phone. Cell towers are crucial in managing and routing the multitude of calls and data transfers, assigning unique wavelengths to each to prevent interference.

💡Wavelength

Wavelength refers to the distance between two consecutive corresponding points of a wave, such as from peak to peak. In the video, wavelengths are used to differentiate between various radio signals to ensure that calls are not accidentally intercepted by other devices. The script creatively suggests that if we could see these wavelengths, we might perceive them as different colors, emphasizing the complexity of managing signal frequencies.

💡Interference

Interference in the context of the video refers to the disruption that occurs when two or more radio waves overlap and interfere with each other. This can lead to a degradation of signal quality. The video discusses how the increasing number of signals in the air, due to the rise of Wi-Fi and other wireless technologies, makes avoiding interference more challenging. It also mentions how cell towers can become overwhelmed, especially during emergencies when many people are trying to use their phones simultaneously.

💡Airplane Mode

Airplane mode is a setting on mobile devices that disables their wireless communication functions. The video explains that this setting is not for the protection of the flight itself, but rather to prevent interference with the various electronic systems of other passengers and the aircraft. Phones in airplane mode do not emit signals that could potentially disrupt the aircraft's navigation and communication systems or other passengers' electronic devices.

💡Signal Amplification

Signal amplification is the process of increasing the power or strength of a signal to ensure it can be transmitted over longer distances or through obstacles. The video mentions that when a phone is far from a cell tower, it uses more battery power to send a higher amplitude signal to establish a connection. This is an important aspect of mobile communication, as it allows phones to maintain connectivity even in areas with weak or no signal coverage.

💡Bandwidth

Bandwidth refers to the capacity of a communication channel, such as a radio frequency, to carry data. The video discusses how the increasing demand for wireless services leads consumers to pay for more bandwidth, which in turn prompts service providers to utilize more of the radio spectrum. This can lead to overcrowding and congestion, affecting the quality of wireless communications.

💡Satellites

Satellites are artificial objects placed into orbit around Earth for various purposes, including communication. The video mentions satellites as part of the infrastructure that relays signals around the globe, contributing to the blanket of radio waves that cover the planet. It also discusses the potential negative impact of sending more satellites into space, suggesting it could exacerbate the issue of radio wave congestion and potentially obscure celestial observations.

💡Radio Telescopes

Radio telescopes are instruments used in astronomy to observe and collect data from radio waves emitted by celestial objects. The video highlights that these telescopes rely on specific bands of wavelengths to study deep space. However, the increasing use of radio waves for communication, particularly with the advent of 5G networks, can interfere with the signals that radio telescopes are trying to detect, potentially hindering astronomical observations.

💡Electromagnetic Interference

Electromagnetic interference, often abbreviated as EMI, occurs when an unwanted signal disrupts the operation of an electronic device or system. In the video, it is mentioned in the context of phones on planes, which can emit strong signals that may interfere with the ground-based signals and potentially disrupt the operation of cell towers and other electronic systems. This is a significant concern for maintaining the integrity of communications and electronic devices.

Highlights

Invisible signals are constantly flying through the air around us, including massive radio waves that carry information for various technologies.

If visible to the human eye, the radio wave signal from a phone would be seen from as far as Jupiter.

The sky is filled with interference from routers, satellites, and phones not in airplane mode, which can disrupt signals.

Airplane mode on phones is not for flight safety but to protect others from potential signal interference.

Cell phones emit electromagnetic waves, specifically radio waves, to connect to networks.

Different wavelengths of radio waves are used to ensure calls are not accidentally intercepted.

Higher amplitude signals are sent when a phone is far from a cell tower to attempt a connection.

Cell towers assign unique wavelengths to each call to prevent cross-talk and interference.

The demand for radio wave wavelengths has increased dramatically with the advent of Wi-Fi.

Interference can become problematic during emergencies when many people are trying to use their phones at once.

Phones on planes emit strong signals that can interfere with cell towers if the plane is closer than expected.

Not using airplane mode on a flight can act as a radio jammer, sending out signals that interfere with others.

Electronic devices emit rogue radio waves that can slow down internet speeds and disrupt calls.

The need for more bandwidth leads to a cycle of increased radio spectrum usage and more satellites in space.

The increase in radio wave usage threatens the ability to observe the cosmos with radio telescopes.

Radio telescopes face interference from 5G networks when trying to observe certain frequency ranges.

Today, no place on Earth is free from radio wave interference, affecting astronomical observations.

Despite the interference, there are still a few places with less crowded skies where deep space observations are possible.

These less crowded areas allow astronomers to observe celestial bodies such as the black hole at the center of the Milky Way.

Transcripts

Right now, invisible signals are flying through the air all around you.

Beyond the spectrum of light your eyes can see,

massive radio waves as wide as houses

carry information between computers, GPS systems, cell phones, and more.

In fact, the signal your phone broadcasts is so strong,

if your eyes could see radio waves,

your phone would be visible from Jupiter.

At least your special eyes would be able to see this if the sky

wasn’t flooded with interference from routers, satellites, and, of course,

people flying who haven't put their phones on airplane mode.

You see, this setting isn't to protect your flight,

it's to protect everyone else in your flight path.

Cell phones connect to networks by emitting information

in the form of electromagnetic waves;

specifically, radio waves,

which occupy this band of the electromagnetic spectrum.

These radio waves come in a range of wavelengths,

and let’s imagine your special eyes see the various wavelengths

as different colors.

When you make a call, your phone generates a radio wave signal

which it throws to the nearest cell tower.

If you're far from service,

your phone will expend more battery power to send a higher amplitude signal

in an effort to make a connection.

Once connected, this signal is relayed between cell towers

all the way to your call’s recipient.

Since your call isn’t the only signal out here,

cell towers managing the calls assign each phones involved their own wavelength.

This specific color ensures you’re not picking up other people’s calls.

It’s even slightly different from the wavelength

your phone is receiving information on,

so as not to interfere with that incoming signal.

But there are only so many colors to choose from.

And since the advent of Wi-Fi,

the demand for ownership of these wavelengths has increased dramatically.

With all these signals in the air and a limited number of colors to assign,

avoiding interference is increasingly difficult.

Especially when cell towers receive too many signals at once,

such as during regional emergencies, when everyone's trying to use their phones.

But other sources of interference are more preventable,

like phones searching for signals from thousands of meters in the sky.

Phones on planes are very far from cell towers,

so they work overtime to send the loudest signals they can

in search of service.

But since planes travel so quickly,

the phones might find themselves much closer to a cell tower than expected—

blasting it with a massive signal that drowns out those on the ground.

So when you fly without using airplane mode,

you’re essentially acting as a military radio jammer—

sending out giant radio waves that interfere with nearby signals.

Even on the ground, almost all our electronics emit rogue radio waves,

slowing down our internet and making our calls choppy.

This leads consumers to pay for more bandwidth,

pushing service providers to take over more of the radio spectrum,

and eventually, send more satellites into the sky—

creating a vicious cycle that could eventually blot out the stars.

Though, even without these satellites,

this system is threatening our relationship with the cosmos.

Radio telescopes used for astronomy

rely on a specific band of wavelengths to see deep into space.

However, while this range is supposedly protected,

the cutoffs aren’t enforced.

For example, the Very Large Array can see signals throughout our solar system

from 1 to 50 GHz.

But if it tries looking for signals below 5 GHz,

its search could be drowned out by a sea of phones on 5G networks.

Today, nowhere on Earth is truly radio quiet.

Satellites relaying signals around the globe

have blanketed the planet in radio waves.

But there are a few places with less crowded skies,

where radio telescopes can look deep into space.

Here, we can see the black hole at the center of the Milky Way,

and uncover the secrets of galaxies up to 96 billion light years away.

Well, so long as we’re not blinded by phones

sending signals from first class.