Solar activity makes the work of… farmers difficult. This is related to the impact of geomagnetic storms on GPS systems. In situations where a solar storm occurs during the sowing or harvesting season, agricultural work may be interrupted for up to several days.
In May 2024, we observed the largest storm in 20 years on Earth storm solar. The phenomenon was classified in the highest possible category G5 and contributed to the creation spectacular aurora borealis over all of Poland and more – they could also be observed by the inhabitants of the Iberian Peninsula, Turkey and northern Africa. However, strong meteorological phenomena have a negative impact on the operation of many systems without which we cannot imagine life.
“Demon Possessed”
Among a group that experienced significant problems along the way magnetic stormformer farmers. Modern tractors use GPS to precisely sow fields using every available square centimeter. When harvest time comes, machines can follow the same route to harvest the crop, minimizing losses and ensuring maximum efficiency.
However, the disadvantage of this solution is the sensitivity of GPS systems to geomagnetic storms. During the May 2024 incident, they malfunctioned and the machines using them began moving uncontrollably left and right, deviating from the computer-prescribed route. This was a big problem for farmers who had to stop working for several days.
– Our tractors behaved as if possessed by a demon, said aurora hunter Elaine Ramstad in an interview with space.com. – All my relatives started calling me to say that the aurora borealis was driving them crazy while planting.
There will be more difficulties
Farmers also experienced similar problems during harvest – in October, there was a series of smaller, but still intense geomagnetic storms. As Ramstad recalled, “The GPS moved by itself by 30 centimeters. While driving in automatic mode, the tractor veered left and right until I had to turn around and start again.”
This is probably not the end of the disruption, as the Sun is approaching the maximum activity of its 11-year cycle. Although extreme storms like the one in May are rare, even moderate events can cause navigation problems. Delays in planting or harvesting can result in lower yields, while recalibrating or repairing GPS systems increases the financial burden in already difficult seasons.
– If it happens in the wrong season, everything can be delayed by three or four days. Even this much could have a significant impact on agriculture, explained Scott McIntosh from the US Center for Atmospheric Research in an interview with space.com.
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