Final answer:
Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) can distort satellite signals, reducing GPS accuracy and sometimes leading to restricted flights by the FAA. GPS technology, used in navigation and global trade, must account for the effects of relativity, a concept integral to its functioning. Mathematician Gladys West made significant contributions to the development of GPS technology.
Step-by-step explanation:
Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) are a type of solar storm that can have profound impacts on technology that we depend on every day, including the functionality and accuracy of satellites. CMEs can alter satellite orbits and distort signals, which is particularly problematic for Global Positioning Systems (GPS) that require precise measurements for navigation purposes. Airplane systems, for instance, must know their positions to within 160 feet, and CME-induced disruptions can compromise this level of accuracy. This has sometimes led the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to restrict flights due to safety concerns stemming from the reduced reliability of GPS.
Furthermore, GPS technology is critical in various aspects of our daily lives, from navigation to global trade, and is sensitive to the effects of relativity. This includes the need to adjust signals to account for time dilation and the curvature of space. The development of GPS technology owes a great deal to the work of Gladys West, whose contributions in mathematics and computer science were pivotal in its creation.