Extreme space weather can wreak havoc on Earth—these tools help warn of the dangers ahead

Phys.org  January 23, 2019
Researchers in the UK have developed a system to improve the reliability of systems that predict space weather events by measuring the solar wind from distances further away from Earth than previously possible. In a project called HELCATS, they used a satellite set up to monitor the Sun and Earth from a side view, known as STEREO, to gather data on CMEs (coronal mass ejections) and how they vary in speed, density, and direction throughout a solar cycle. The idea was to exploit the STEREO Heliospheric Imaging data, with observations of over 1000 CMEs from 2007 onwards, and apply the latest analysis and modelling techniques to investigate the identification, tracking, and prediction of CME events in the heliosphere. By combining solar events seen from imaging with modelling and better understanding how CMEs interact with one another as they propagate outward from the Sun they were able to help improve predictions of arrival times on Earth… read more.

During high periods of solar activity, the sun flings off massive chunks of changed plasma which can severely damage technological infrastructure on Earth. Credit: NASA/SDO and the AIA, EVE, and HMI science teams.

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