{
  "id": 4891964,
  "title": "Geomagnetic superstorm shook GPS accuracy across the US—its timing may have averted agricultural losses",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/geomagnetic-superstorm-shook-gps-accuracy-across-the-us-its-timing",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-01T16:30:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-09-geomagnetic-superstorm-shook-gps-accuracy.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On November 11, 2025, Earth encountered a powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by intense solar activity. While such storms create stunning auroras, they can also interfere with radio waves and impair essential technologies like GPS. A recent study published in Geophysical Research Letters revealed that this storm's effects were unprecedented in many regions. The auroral oval, normally confined to high latitudes, stretched down to lower latitudes due to the storm's influence. This caused significant disruption to GPS signals across the United States, particularly in mid-latitude areas. The researchers found that GPS signal accuracy was compromised by up to 10 meters, or approximately 33 feet, in affected regions. This level of error could have serious implications for industries that rely heavily on precise location data, such as agriculture. An earlier storm in May 2024, during the planting season, had already caused estimated losses of over $500 million to American farmers. However, the November 2025 storm occurred outside the primary agricultural season, potentially averting significant financial losses for the farming industry. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the complex interactions between geomagnetic storms and the ionosphere to better prepare for potential disruptions to GPS and other satellite-based systems.",
  "summary": "On Nov. 11, 2025, Earth experienced a severe geomagnetic storm triggered by solar flares and coronal mass ejections from an active sunspot region. While this kind of storm brings beautiful auroras admired in many areas around the world, it can also cause ionospheric disturbances that disrupt radio waves and affect crucial technologies. A new study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, found…",
  "key_points": [
    "Powerful geomagnetic storm hit Earth on November 11, 2025",
    "Storm's effects disrupted GPS accuracy up to 10 meters in US",
    "Timing may have prevented major agricultural losses"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}