Solar storm impact on pigeons: Pigeon racing, a 2,000-year-old sport, relies on pigeons' ability to navigate using Earth's magnetic field, though solar storms can disrupt their internal navigation systems. A solar storm does not just affect technology like satellites, GPS or even power grids, they also pose a big danger for pigeons. Pigeon racing is a sport with a history spanning nearly 2,000 years, it continues to captivate enthusiasts worldwide.
This unique hobby involves training and racing special homing pigeons, which are taken to a specific, measured distance from their home before being released. The pigeons then race back, with the fastest one securing a prize for its owner. However, in what looks like such a bizarre effect, solar storms hold out a lot of danger for pigeons.
How Pigeons Navigate Understanding the phenomenon of pigeons navigating home has intrigued scientists for years. Pigeons can detect Earth’s magnetic field lines. Earth acts like a giant magnet with magnetic force lines running from pole to pole.
These lines guide a compass needle, however, pigeons seem to have a built-in compass that helps them to always know their direction. Solar Storm Impact on Pigeons Contrary to what one might think, pigeons do not rely on the Sun’s position for navigation. They fly home accurately even at night or during cloudy weather.
However, the Sun does influence their navigation differently. When the Sun blasts charged particles into space, it generates solar storms and these can disrupt the Earth’s magnetic field. When these particles reach Earth, they can alter the magnetic field, confusing the pigeons’ internal navigation systems and sending them off course which can lead the owner to lose their priced pigeon.
This solar storm impact is the same that produces beautiful auroras especially in the Northern hemisphere. Solar storm Impact on Pigeon Races To avoid losses, some pigeon racers consult the Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder, Colorado, before significant races. This part of the National Weather Service, monitors solar activity using satellites like the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES).
These satellites detect solar x-rays and ultraviolet light, providing early warnings of potential solar storms. If bad space weather is forecast, races are postponed to ensure the safety of the pigeons..
