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GPS tracking and navigation technology has become a valuable part of our modern society. It has helped us respond to emergencies faster, recovery stolen property, and navigate air and ground traffic more safely. These are only a few of the important functions GPS tracking serve. The technology is only possible because of a constellation of satellites orbiting our planet. Signals are sent from devices on Earth up to the satellites in space, which are used to measure exact location data.

As we’re all taught in grade school, the Earth spins on it’s access once every 24 hour period, which is why the sun rises and sets so regularly. The Earth also rotates around the sun over a period of a year. GPS tracking and navigation data depends on accurately predicting the position of Earth on its axis. Unfortunately, small and large forces cause Earth to wobble, which affects the accuracy of GPS navigation systems. Factors such as gravity, atmospheric pressure, wind and earthquakes all affect Earth’s position on its axis.

Scientists are working hard to predict the actual location of Earth on its axis. In the mid-1990s, researchers from Germany and New Zealand joined forces to track the Earth’s wobble. “We also wanted to develop an alternative that would enable us to eliminate any systematic errors,” said Karl Ulrich Schreiber. “After all, there was always a possibility that the reference points in space were not actually stationary.” The team did encounter its share of skepticism. “At the same time, we were almost laughed off. Hardly anyone thought that our project was feasible.” Schreiber stated.

By the turn of the century, the team began work on the world’s most stable ring laser in the Wettzell Geodetic Observatory in Southeast Germany. “The principle is simple.” Schreiber explained. “The biggest challenge was ensuring that the laser remains stable enough for us to measure the weak geophysical signal without interference — especially over a period of several months.” The project was successful, but Schreiber is still looking for ways to make the data more accurate. “In [the] future,” said Schreiber, “we want to be able to just pop down into the basement and find out how fast the Earth is accurately turning right now.”

Photo by TonyneTone Through Flickr Creative Commons