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Solar Cycle 25
How ionospheric disturbances may impact GNSS-based positioning
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Solar flares and disturbances are on the rise and expected to peak in 2025, as part of Solar Cycle 25. These flares and disturbances may impact satellites circling the Earth. As such, you may experience interruptions in receiving GNSS signals, impacting the function of your GNSS receiver and GNSS-based positioning services. The severity of an interruption will depend on the type of positioning service, device and your geographic location. We anticipate interruptions may be widespread geographically and may last several hours.

These resources will provide you more detailed information about the sun’s activity and how and why solar flares impact satellite performance.

Ionosphere total electron content (TEC) map

Understand where potential GNSS signal interference may be more prevalent.

Fact 1

TEC is the number of free electrons between two points, such as the receiver and satellite.

Fact 2

Affected by solar activity, the more TEC, the longer the period of GNSS interference.

Ionosphere scintillation map

Identify where atmospheric irregularities are strongest and interfering with GNSS signal delivery.

Fact 1

Space weather, such as sunspots, cause distortions in the Earth's upper atmosphere.

Fact 2

These fluctuations can result in GNSS signal errors.

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