Impact of Last Year's Severe Solar Storm on GPS Outages Resolved
It was determined that the powerful solar storm that hit Earth in November caused positioning errors exceeding 10 meters in middle latitudes and disruptions in GPS systems.
According to a new study, the severe solar storm that hit Earth in November of last year caused unprecedented disruptions in GPS systems. Details of the event, which caused positioning errors exceeding 10 meters in middle latitudes, were mapped by scientists.
Effects of the Solar Storm and Ionospheric Disturbances
A massive solar flare erupting from an active sunspot region caused major turbulence in the ionosphere layer in November.
Disturbances that are normally seen near polar regions manifested their effects this time much further south in latitudes.
Positioning Errors Occurring in Middle Latitudes
Scientists determined in the study that horizontal positioning errors exceeding 10 meters occurred in middle-latitude regions.
This situation temporarily reduced the accuracy of GPS navigation systems and created strong fluctuations in signal amplitude.
Method and Findings of the Scientific Research
Researchers combined data obtained from aurora cameras and ground-based GPS receiver networks in the US and Canada.
Electron density and turbulence levels in the ionosphere during the storm were mapped in detail.
Serious Warnings Issued for Critical Sectors
Experts emphasize that GPS technology continues to play a vital role in areas such as autonomous transportation and precision agriculture.
It was stated that if the superstorm had occurred during the agricultural season, major losses could have been experienced in the American agricultural and transportation sectors.