Solar storm triggers unprecedented GPS errors across North America
A powerful solar storm last November caused GPS positioning errors of more than 10 m over much of the United States and Canada, according to a new study.
A severe solar storm that struck Earth last November generated auroras visible across lower latitudes, including central Florida, and created widespread ionospheric turbulence. Scientists observed that this disturbance lowered GPS positioning precision by more than 10 m in the continental United States and Canada, regions usually considered stable. By merging auroral imaging with data from GPS receiver networks, the researchers tracked electron density, signal flickering, and positioning errors throughout the storm.
High-energy electrons traveling along magnetic field lines collided with atmospheric gases, causing signal amplitude fluctuations across a broad range of longitudes. The study warns that similar disruptions during critical periods, such as the farming season, could have serious economic impacts on agriculture and autonomous transportation. Authors call for increased preparedness for aurora-related GPS outages at all latitudes.
