Solar Energy News  
Interfering With The Global Positioning System

The ionosphere and how it relates to the atmosphere.
by Staff Writers
Washington DC (SPX) Jun 10, 2008
You can't always trust your GPS gadget. As scientists have long known, perplexing electrical activity in the upper atmospheric zone called the ionosphere can tamper with signals from GPS satellites.

Now, new research and monitoring systems are clarifying what happens to disruptive clouds of electrons and other electrically charged particles, known as ions, in the ionosphere. The work may lead to regional predictions of reduced GPS reliability and accuracy.

One team of researchers has recently observed Earth's aurora, which is a prominent manifestation of ionospheric electrical activity, in the act of disrupting GPS equipment. Other scientists have successfully tested a way to forecast GPS disturbances for marine users, with likely extension to users on land.

Some research groups are turning the tables and employing GPS receivers as tools with which to conduct basic research on the electrical-current structures of the ionosphere.

The scientific reports on these and other recent developments are available in a special section of Space Weather: The International Journal of Research and Applications, a publication of the American Geophysical Union, or AGU.

A magazine-style article that introduces the section was posted online Friday, June 6. It summarizes past research and operational developments regarding ionospheric effects on GPS, and discusses potential future improvements in the field.

Related Links
"GPS scintillation in the high arctic associated with an auroral arc"
"Potential for issuing ionospheric warnings to Canadian users of marine DGPS"
GPS Applications, Technology and Suppliers



Memory Foam Mattress Review
Newsletters :: SpaceDaily :: SpaceWar :: TerraDaily :: Energy Daily
XML Feeds :: Space News :: Earth News :: War News :: Solar Energy News


Moscow Making Plans For GLONASS Part One
Moscow (UPI) Jun 9, 2008
The Russian displays at the ILA-2008 International Aerospace Exhibition, held in Berlin from May 27 to June 1, can be described as epoch-making.







  • Areva aiming to dominate British nuclear design: CEO
  • Researchers Developing New Technologies To Store And Recycle Nuclear Waste
  • Slovenia nuclear plant back on after alert
  • World major economies see new nuclear dawn

  • Analysis: Senate kills climate change bill
  • Possible to slash CO2 emissions by 85 percent by 2050: NGO
  • Kiribati likely doomed by climate change: president
  • Food, oil crises should not overshadow climate danger: UN

  • China consuming twice what its ecosystems can supply: WWF
  • Scientists warn G8 of climate peril to food
  • China to import grain as economy grows: environmentalist
  • Britain's top scientist calls for new 'green revolution'

  • Woolly mammoth study changes theory
  • US second to China in illegal wildlife trade: official
  • Scientists Reveal Invasion Strategy Of Largest Virus
  • Cartilage Regeneration 20000 Leagues Under The Sea

  • Orion's New Launch Abort Motor Test Stand Ready For Action
  • Researchers To Upgrade Safety And Performance Of Rocket Fuel
  • NASA chief backs proposal for European spaceship
  • SpaceX And NASA To Improve Mission Critical Software Systems

  • Nuclear Power In Space - Part 2
  • Outside View: Nuclear future in space
  • Nuclear Power In Space

  • Aster Images Sichuan Earthquake In China
  • Japanese astronaut says Earth is 'beautiful'
  • EarthCARE Earthcare Satellite Contract Signed
  • Northrop Grumman To Modify CERES Sensor For NPOESS Prep Mission To Improve Climate Data Payload

  • Measuring How Much Information There Is In The World
  • Paralysed man takes a walk in virtual world
  • Study finds best times for radio signals
  • Self-Repairing Aircraft Could Revolutionize Aviation Safety

  • The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright Space.TV Corporation. AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space.TV Corp on any Web page published or hosted by Space.TV Corp. Privacy Statement