Latest news with #GPS
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Science
- Yahoo
May 2024 solar storm cost $500 million in damages to farmers, new study reveals
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Location signals beamed to Earth by GPS satellites were off by hundreds of feet during the Gannon Solar Storm in May last year, and the disruption lasted for up to two days in some U.S. regions, a new study has revealed. The outage wreaked havoc across the farming sector, which suffered losses of more than $500 million as a result. A succession of powerful solar eruptions in early May last year triggered the most powerful solar storm to hit Earth in 20 years. Later named after the deceased space weather scientist Jennifer Gannon, the solar storm produced awe-inspiring auroras visible as far south as Mexico, Portugal and Spain. It also made GPS go haywire for days. Farmers in the American Midwest, at that time at the peak of the planting season, reported their GPS-guided tractors acting like they were "possessed" during the storm, according to accounts. A new study has now quantified how big those GPS errors were not only during the height of the storm, but also in its aftermath when a lingering aurora continued to skew GPS signals. A team of researchers from Boston University used data from close to 100 high-accuracy, fixed GPS receivers scattered across the U.S. that form a seismic research network that measures the motions of tectonic plates. As it turns out, the network is also perfectly suited to study space weather effects in Earth's ionosphere, a layer of electrically-charged air found 30 miles (48 kilometers) above Earth. The effects that solar storms have on the ionosphere can affect the readings of GPS receivers. "GPS receivers work with the assumption that the ionosphere has a uniform plasma density," Waqar Younas, a space physics researcher at Boston University and lead author of the paper, told "But a solar storm creates irregularities in the ionosphere and as the signal passes through the ionospheric layers, it grows errors." When a solar storm hits, the charged solar particles it brings with it heat up and disturb the ionosphere. As the weak signals from the global positioning satellites pass through this suddenly turbulent region, they get thrown off course. Because the fixed GPS receivers in the research network are firmly attached to the ground, any change in their positioning data could only be a result of turbulence in the ionosphere. Measurements from this scientific GPS network revealed the scale of these errors with great accuracy, and enabled researchers to reconstruct what had gone on in the ionosphere during the storm. "By measuring the disturbance of the signal, we can tell the structure of the plasma in the upper atmosphere," Toshi Nishimura, a professor of space physics and co-author of the new study, told Analysis of the data revealed that the storm created a "wall of ionospheric plasma," stretching across the North American continent. This wall threw off GPS signals by up to 230 feet (70 meters) in central U.S. states, with smaller errors of up to 65 feet (20 m) reported in the southwestern parts of the country. The peak disruption lasted for about six hours on May 10, 2024, but things remained unsettled for up to two days, the study showed. After the shaken ionosphere began to calm down, the auroral lights triggered by the storm caused further GPS disruptions as charged particles from space trickled through the atmosphere along disrupted magnetic field lines. The GPS receiver network showed errors up to 30 feet (10 m) for the duration of these auroras. The erratic behavior of GPS-guided farming machinery caused by the Gannon solar storm cost American farmers in the U.S. midwest more than $500 million, according to Terry Griffin, a professor of agricultural economics at Kansas State University. "Because of the Gannon storm, planting of corn got delayed because our planters were mostly inoperative," Griffin told "Currently, about 70% of planted acres in the United States rely on equipment that uses GPS automated guidance to make straight parallel lines through the field. We no longer even have physical road markers, and the equipment is getting bigger to the point that we can no longer operate when the GPS is taken away." But agriculture was not the sole victim of the space weather-induced GPS mayhem. Aircraft rely on GPS not only to follow their paths but especially to know their precise altitude during landing. Errors of up to four meters can be compensated for, according to Nishimura. But the disruption on May 10 and 11 last year was "way beyond that tolerance window," Nishimura said. RELATED STORIES: — Powerful solar storms are a nightmare for farmers. 'Our tractors acted like they were demon possessed' — It's been one year since the most intense solar storm in decades created worldwide auroras. What have we learned? — Solar storm frenzy of May 2024 was strong enough to affect the deep sea The Gannon solar storm may have been the strongest in two decades. But it only provided only a weak taste of what the sun is capable of. The frequently discussed worst case scenario is the so-called Carrington event — a storm that hit Earth in 1859, knocking out telegraph services all over the world. A storm of that strength today would no doubt have wide-ranging consequences around the world. "During the Gannon storm, we saw the most intense impact in the central regions of the U.S.," Nishimura said. "But for a Carrington-sized event, we would see disruption all over the continent and errors so large that the signal would be unusable." Waqar says that in the future, real-time forecasting of ionospheric disruptions paired with AI-driven forecasts of GPS signal irregularities could help correct the errors as a storm progresses. The study was published in the journal JGR-Space Physics on June 9.
Telegraph
3 hours ago
- Telegraph
Police told bike-theft victim they would only help in ‘life-or-death situation'
Police told the victim of a bike theft that they would only respond if it was a 'life-or-death situation'. Marios Symeonides had his £5,000 bike stolen from outside his house in Camden, north London, on a Sunday afternoon despite it being secured with two £400 locks and a £120 GPS device. Police did attend after a neighbour called 999, but then called inquiries off after just 20 minutes. 'My wife rang the police, who initially said they would only come if it was a life-and-death situation,' Mr Symeonides told The Times. 'It was only after I cycled off in pursuit that they called back and came because some neighbours had seen the thief cutting the lock and rang 999.' A total of 33 bikes have been stolen in that part of Camden this year, according to police data analysed by The Telegraph. None of the thefts have been solved. Nationally, fewer than one in 50 of the 60,000-plus annual bike thefts are ever solved. Vast areas of England and Wales did not see a single individual punished for such a theft last year. Mr Symeonides followed the thief on a rented Lime e-bike while tracking the GPS on his phone. By the time police joined the pursuit, the thief was 20 minutes ahead and the chance to intercept was gone. 'Police were under time pressure, they had to go' The bike was stolen at 12.27pm, but by 1.47pm the thief was in Queen's Park, Kilburn, nearly four miles away, according to the GPS. When police and Mr Symeonides arrived in the 'nice neighbourhood' lined with terraced homes that sell for £900,000, the bike and the thief were nowhere to be seen. Despite carrying out door knocks and looking into gardens, the police called time on the investigation after 20 minutes and handed Mr Symeonides a report and a number to follow up. 'I was hoping that the police would be able to get more CCTV because they have it everywhere now,' Mr Symeonides said. 'But they were under time pressure. They had to go.' 'Police numbers are falling rapidly' On a Sunday afternoon in Camden, a popular tourist part of London, officers are restricted by the resources available and forced to prioritise which crimes to focus on, a spokesman told The Telegraph. He said: 'We recognise the impact of bike theft and understand the disruption it causes for victims. Officers carry out patrols and operations across London and will carry out enquiries when offences are reported. 'On the day of the incident, the Met received around 250 calls relating to incidents in Camden, and we have to balance the demand for our services with the resources available. Officers visited the victim and carried out inquiries to attempt to locate the bike, including reviewing doorbell footage and tracking data.' Last month, Sir Mark Rowley, the Met Police commissioner, said he did not have enough officers to meet rising demands. 'We're carrying the scar tissue of years of austerity cuts and the effects of that,' he said. 'Forces are much smaller when you compare the population they are policing than they were a decade or 15 years ago. 'Our numbers [of officers] are falling rapidly. London is over a million people bigger since then. Demand is going up 5 per cent a year, every year across the country. Five per cent more people are calling 999 looking for help from police. That's a massive number, and that compounds year on year.' Despite continued searches and offers of assistance from fellow London cyclists online, Mr Symeonides is still without his bike. He received a payout for from his insurance, but claimed he had lost about £900 from the theft.
New Straits Times
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
NST Leader: Road safety
MALAYSIA'S roads are some of the best in the region, but they are also the most dangerous, with published data pointing to one death every two hours. But the roads are not wholly to be blamed; the road users must be, especially the reckless and dangerous ones. Of late, reckless drivers of heavy commercial vehicles, such as lorries and buses, have been making the bad situation worse. But the blameworthy aren't just the drivers. The operators who employ such reckless drivers and allow vehicles that fail safety standards on the road are even more culpable. Many NST Leaders have pushed for a nationwide audit of operators of such heavy vehicles. The Road Transport Department is starting one today, with the inspection of 300 lorry, 100 tour bus and 100 express bus operators. RTD director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said the 500 are high-risk operators. Maybe it's biting off only what it can chew. But it is a good start, though it should not stop at 500. Eventually, it should scale up to a countrywide audit covering all operators and their heavy vehicles. More importantly, RTD must act decisively if inspections reveal serious violations. Aedy Fadly has promised strict action against operators found violating regulations or neglecting safety. Road users will be keeping a keen eye on what happens to operators who flout road safety regulations. While it is regrettable that regulators and enforcement agencies are only springing into action after 15 students were killed when the tour bus they were travelling in collided with a multi-purpose vehicle, there is some consolation. At least they are beginning to address the concerns long raised by the public and road safety experts. The Transport Ministry has also announced that speed limiters, which have been in force for new heavy vehicles since 2015, will become mandatory from Oct 1. But experts warn these can be easily tampered with. In Singapore, the government has made it mandatory for operators of heavy vehicles to install tamper-free patches. In Singapore, the limit is 60kph for all heavy vehicles. In Malaysia, operators report that the limit is 90kph for lorries and 100kph for buses, though we understand the ministry's new policy will set the limit for lorries and buses at 90kph. But even at this speed, fully loaded lorries and buses may require at least 100m to make a safe stop, given the kinetic energy released when braking at such speed. Throw in a steep descent, like in Gerik, Perak, where the 15 students died, then disaster is a very likely outcome. A distance of 100m is a luxury on most days on Malaysian roads. Reckless drivers behind heavily laden lorries and buses travelling at such speeds are tragedies in the making. But road safety experts say speed limiters alone won't be enough. They must be integrated with the Global Positioning System (GPS). GPS-based speed limiters automatically reduce the engine power to the legal speed limit while making real-time tracking of speed possible by operators. But good old enforcement must continue.
Toronto Sun
2 days ago
- Toronto Sun
WARMINGTON: Accused carjacker on bail when he jumped from Gardiner Expressway
Since the SIU is investigating officers because an accused carjacker on court conditions jumped from the Gardiner to avoid arrest, the Toronto Police Association's President questions why there's no probe into who set him free. Get the latest from Joe Warmington straight to your inbox Husain Javed, 21, of Toronto is wanted by Toronto Police for removing his GPS ankle bracelet in the area of Grenoble Drive and Leeward Glenway. Photo by Toronto Police Since Ontario's police watchdog is investigating officers because an accused carjacker on numerous court conditions jumped from the Gardiner Expressway to avoid arrest, the Toronto Police Association's President questions why there's no probe into who set him free in the first place. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Fair question. After all, this was not the first run-in with police for Toronto's Javed Husnain, 21, who was charged with robbery with violence, disguise with intent, robbery with a firearm, two counts of property obtained by crime and fleeing while being pursued by a police officer in the June 16 incident that started with a man being carjacked at gunpoint for his Rolls Royce at the Shops At Don Mills and ended with his escape attempt that resulted in broken bones and a hospital stay. Go to the Toronto Police news releases and you will see that since 2023 this suspect has been charged with numerous serious criminal offences and keeps being released with court conditions. And then arrested again. Then released again. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Something is just not working with this revolving justice door. 'Our members and the communities they serve deserve answers,' TPA boss Clayton Campbell said Friday. 'While our officers are being investigated by the SIU for their actions, we've learned the man arrested was already before the courts on multiple charges for home invasions and carjackings, some involving weapons.' Toronto Police Association President Clayton Campbell. Photo by Supplied / TPA On Dec. 8, 2023, just before 5 a.m. in the area of Twyford Rd. and Abilene Dr., police allege 'two men forced their way into a residence and confronted the victim brandishing crowbars and demanded keys to the victim's vehicle.' On Jan. 25, 2025, members of the Provincial Carjacking Joint Task Force, with the assistance of York Regional Police, arrested Husnain and charged him with conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, robbery with an offensive weapon and many other offences. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. And on Aug. 13, 2023, in the area of Keele St. and Wilson Ave., police say 'two suspects intentionally rear-ended a victim's vehicle and the suspects approached the victim with a weapon and demanded the keys.' Then on Jan. 5, 2024, in the Keele St. and Lawrence Ave. W. area, a 'victim stepped out of their vehicle and left it running and the accused entered the vehicle and fled.' And on Feb. 20, 2024, Husnain was arrested and charged with two counts possession of property obtained by crime. Read More This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Then on June 1, 2025, 'police responded to a call for a wanted party' in the Grenoble Dr. and Leeward Glenway area where 'a man currently before the courts on several charges was released from court with conditions' but 'police were notified that the man removed his GPS ankle bracelet' and a warrant was sought for Husnain for failure to comply with a release order and mischief under $5000. If you are keeping score, that's five previous serious charges. And still, Husnain was on the loose Monday and allegedly trying to evade capture by jumping off the elevated highway. With a stolen BMW as a the accomplice car in this heist, that's six major criminal incidents that led to charges against Husnain. Councillor Brad Bradford represents Ward 19 Beaches-East York. 'Crime is out of control in Toronto and no one in elected office is doing anything about it,' said City Councillor Brad Bradford, who has been outspoken on the lawlessness in Toronto. 'It's now at a point where it's not really a safe city to raise your kids in.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. So, when will Husnain be granted his next release? It's trickier this time, but not because of the system being tougher, because of his injuries. He's still in hospital after receiving medical treatment for many broken bones and back injuries as a result falling at least 10 metres. Justice sources say he remains in custody under guard until his next court date on June 24. Time will tell if he gets another bail release or whether he will need more time in hospital. Only in Canada 🇨🇦 would you see tolerance for a guy being released on serious charges over and over again. You add it up and it's now 6 different alleged crimes committed while known to the court system. Will a 7th release be lucky? — Joe Warmington (@joe_warmington) June 20, 2025 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Whatever happens, Campbell's point – and it's a good one – is that while his officers with body cams are being scrutinized, the system that kept letting this accused out needs scrutiny, too. In a week where Premier Doug Ford had carjackers eyeing his Cadillac Escalade, perhaps soon those on the bench making these soft bail calls will be held accountable. 'With this violent history a judge or justice of the peace released him with conditions, including an ankle bracelet, which he allegedly took off two weeks prior to this most recent incident,' Campbell said. 'Our members are held accountable for the decisions they make, it's about time judges and justices of the peace are held to the same standard.' 'Our officers and the victims deserve better – enough is enough,' he added. When will it be enough for Ontario? jwarmington@ World Toronto & GTA News Hockey Columnists
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
ASTraM app to help cops manage Yoga Day crowd
1 2 3 Visakhapatnam: The city is hosting International Yoga Day celebrations on June 21. Around 200 police personnel in Vizag city have undergone training on the ASTraM (Actionable intelligence for sustainable traffic management) application, which is designed to manage large crowd and streamline traffic flow. Through this platform, real-time monitoring of available parking spaces will be possible, enabling authorities to direct vehicles efficiently and reduce congestion in key areas. Senior police officer said ASTraM incorporates GPS data, CCTV feeds, and artificial intelligence analytics to identify traffic congestion hotspots and facilitate dynamic solutions such as traffic re-routing. Traffic diversion Heavy vehicles heading towards Vizag will be diverted at Anandapuram and will he0ad towards Pendurthi and Anakapalle. Similarly, heavy vehicles coming from Anakapalle have to take diversion at Lankelapalem and will head towards Sabbavaram- Pendurthi-Anandapuram highway route. The entry of vehicles (except vehicles carrying essential goods) to Vizag city from Pendurthi have been restricted. The road between Maddilapalem (AU Arch) and Three-Town police station has been closed for vehicles (except VIP vehicles). The police said that entry of heavy vehicles has been banned between Tagarapurvalasa and Maddilapalem. The vehicles from the port area need to enter the highway via Sheelanagar and Sabbavaram. tnn
