Tracking Geomagnetic Storms with GPS errors

[deleted-247079]

I am doing my project on geomagnetic storms for a month now and tracking the GPS errors but I have a few questions.

How long do solar storms last?

Do they affect only the side of the earth facing the sun?

When taking my GPS readings, should they be done during daylight hours?

If there is a solar storm at a different time then when I normally take my readings should I take a reading then?

[deleted-133687]

Hey wyoland and welcome to Sciecne Buddies!

After some research, I came up with answers to your questions:

1. Solar storms can last only a few minutes to several hours but the affects of geomagnetic storms can linger in the Earth’s magnetosphere and atmosphere for days to weeks.
2. Solar flares impact Earth only when they occur on the side of the sun facing Earth.
3. I dont think it matters whether you measure it during the night or day. Just measure the sun storm when it occurs.
4. It depends. If you state in your hypothesis that your data will be collected during a certain time of day then do not collect data outside that time. It might effect your results.

If you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask!
Thanks,
Deja

[deleted-315129]

Dear Wyoland,
My daughter is planning to do this project, however, I am not finding a GPS in which you can turn on or turn off WAAS. Can you please let me know the GPS model that you used for this project?

Thanks,
BSTK