Scientists say that in the next few years, our Sun would "wake up after hibernation" - to increase solar activity and hence the radiation level rises. Residents of the earth is not threatened, although it is no secret that solar activity affects our weather and climate in general.Concerned about the scientists and the fact that too much solar activity could affect operation of the satellites, which are responsible for the proper functioning of the global positioning system for location-GPS.
The degree of disruption to your GPS will vary depending on the location of GPS-receiver on the planet. And during the most powerful solar flares navigator can "hang" for a couple of tens of minutes. The composition of the ionosphere, through which passes the signal varies depending on the number of received solar radiation, which also increase the waiting time signal from satellites - errors in the testimony of the receiver can not be avoided.
How does GPS:
1. The satellite sends the data on its position, indicating the precise time of sending.
2. The signal passes through the ionosphere.
3. The receiver on the earth determines the time elapsed since sending the satellite data, the position is calculated on the basis of elapsed time for delivery of the signal.
Ordinary users can go through such turmoil, and the military use more advanced systems (satellites grow large, positioning their systems more precisely, the response time - less), so they do not even feel the impact of solar activity. Another thing - medical services and emergency response teams, which mostly use standard navigation service. In their work a few minutes delay could be crucial.
Source: ®
