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Tag: space weather

  • Trump’s Crusade Against ‘Woke’ Climate Research Threatens Solar Science

    The White House is moving to dismantle a weather research facility in Colorado, a decision that would not only impact climate science on Earth, but our ability to understand space weather as well.

    The National Science Foundation’s National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) is currently under threat. White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought announced the administration’s plan to take apart NCAR, referring to it as “one of the largest sources of climate alarmism in the country,” in a December 16 post on X.

    The move is the latest in the Trump administration’s war on climate science, which has included proposing cuts to research funding and scrubbing data from government websites.

    NCAR was founded more than six decades ago to study Earth’s atmosphere, weather, and climate, but it also performs research on space weather, the Sun’s activity and how it affects Earth’s magnetosphere. Two of NASA’s upcoming heliophysics missions rely on work carried out by NCAR scientists.

    Cloudy with a chance of cuts

    Earlier this month, NASA chose to advance two heliophysics missions to further understanding of our host star and the stream of charged particles it emits, also known as solar wind.

    One of those missions, the Chromospheric Magnetism Explorer, or CMEx, is led by NCAR scientist Holly Gilbert. CMEx is being designed to study the reddish layer of the Sun’s atmosphere, called the chromosphere, in an effort to understand the origin of solar eruptions and determine the magnetic sources of solar wind, according to NASA.

    “These mission concepts, if advanced to flight, will improve our ability to predict solar events that could harm satellites that we rely on every day and mitigate danger to astronauts near Earth, at the Moon, or Mars,” Asal Naseri, acting associate flight director for heliophysics at NASA Headquarters, said in a statement.

    The Solar Transition Region Ultraviolet Explorer (STRUVE) is another NCAR-led NASA mission to study the Sun’s chromosphere and corona, expected to launch in 2029 and gather data on the regions where the energy that powers solar storms builds up before being released.

    “The chromosphere is a really important part of the solar atmosphere when it comes to storage and release of magnetic energy,” Alfred de Wijn, a scientist at NCAR and STRUVE’s principal investigator, said in a statement. “We know that the magnetic field of the photosphere connects to the heliosphere, but we don’t know how it makes its way through the chromosphere. We’re interested in what’s actually going on in that middle layer and seeing how the magnetic field changes leading up to eruptions.”

    What’s Next for NICAR

    With the fate of NCAR hanging in limbo, it’s not clear whether the proposed spacecraft will get to observe our host star. Vought’s statement suggested that approved research activities would be taken up by other organizations, but the OMB has not shared how it will make those decisions.

    “[R]esearch conducted at NCAR informs our understanding of space weather hazards caused by solar storms and the atmospheric properties of other planets in and beyond our solar system,” American Astronomical Society (AAS) president Dara Norman said earlier this month. “The AAS requests that Congress exercise its oversight authority and investigate the basis for and process of NSF’s decision making about NCAR.”

    US lawmakers have supported legislation to reverse the White House’s proposed cuts to scientific research at NASA and other agencies, and face a January 30 deadline to enact spending bills that would settle the issue.

    Passant Rabie

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  • What are northern lights? Here’s what to know about auroras.

    Space weather forecasters issued an alert on Tuesday for incoming severe solar storms that could produce colorful northern lights and temporarily disrupt communications.And the aurora borealis didn’t disappoint, showing up in various parts of the country.In the video player above: Photos show auroras seen in the skies of Nelson County and Virginia Beach, Virginia; South Dakota; Iowa; and Minnesota on Tuesday night.In the past few days, the sun has burped out several bursts of energy called coronal mass ejections that, earlier, forecasters said could reach Earth Tuesday night and early Wednesday. Forecasters warned that geomagnetic storms could disrupt radio and GPS communications, according to forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.How bright the auroras were and how far south they were visible were dependent on when the solar bursts got here and how they interacted with Earth’s atmosphere. How northern lights happenThe sun is at the maximum phase of its 11-year activity cycle, making the light displays more common and widespread. Colorful northern lights have decorated night skies in unexpected places and space weather experts say there are more auroras still to come.Aurora displays known as the northern and southern lights are commonly visible near the poles, where charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s atmosphere.Skygazers are spotting the lights deeper into the United States and Europe because the sun is going through a major face-lift. Every 11 years, its poles swap places, causing magnetic twists and tangles along the way.Last year, the strongest geomagnetic storm in two decades slammed Earth, producing light displays across the Northern Hemisphere. And soon afterward, a powerful solar storm dazzled skygazers far from the Arctic Circle when dancing lights appeared in unexpected places, including Germany, the United Kingdom, New England and New York City.The sun’s active spurt is expected to last at least through the end of this year, though when solar activity will peak won’t be known until months after the fact, according to NASA and NOAA.How solar storms affect EarthSolar storms can bring more than colorful lights to Earth.When fast-moving particles and plasma slam into Earth’s magnetic field, they can temporarily disrupt the power grid. Space weather can also interfere with air traffic control, radio and satellites in orbit. Severe storms are capable of scrambling other radio and GPS communications.In 1859, a severe solar storm triggered auroras as far south as Hawaii and set telegraph lines on fire in a rare event. And a 1972 solar storm may have detonated magnetic U.S. sea mines off the coast of Vietnam.Space weather experts aren’t able to predict a solar storm months in advance. Instead, they alert relevant parties to prepare in the days before a solar outburst hits Earth.How to see aurorasNorthern lights forecasts can be found on NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center website or an aurora forecasting app.Consider aurora-watching in a quiet, dark area away from city lights. Experts recommend skygazing from a local or national park. And check the weather forecast because clouds can cover up the spectacle entirely.Taking a picture with a smartphone camera may also reveal hints of the aurora that aren’t visible to the naked eye.

    (VIDEO ABOVE: Tommy Stafford, John Mitchell, Matthew Dux, Matt Beatty, Ali Roux Gaudette via CNN Newsource) —

    Space weather forecasters issued an alert on Tuesday for incoming severe solar storms that could produce colorful northern lights and temporarily disrupt communications.

    And the aurora borealis didn’t disappoint, showing up in various parts of the country.

    In the video player above: Photos show auroras seen in the skies of Nelson County and Virginia Beach, Virginia; South Dakota; Iowa; and Minnesota on Tuesday night.

    In the past few days, the sun has burped out several bursts of energy called coronal mass ejections that, earlier, forecasters said could reach Earth Tuesday night and early Wednesday. Forecasters warned that geomagnetic storms could disrupt radio and GPS communications, according to forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

    How bright the auroras were and how far south they were visible were dependent on when the solar bursts got here and how they interacted with Earth’s atmosphere.

    How northern lights happen

    The sun is at the maximum phase of its 11-year activity cycle, making the light displays more common and widespread. Colorful northern lights have decorated night skies in unexpected places and space weather experts say there are more auroras still to come.

    Aurora displays known as the northern and southern lights are commonly visible near the poles, where charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s atmosphere.

    Skygazers are spotting the lights deeper into the United States and Europe because the sun is going through a major face-lift. Every 11 years, its poles swap places, causing magnetic twists and tangles along the way.

    Last year, the strongest geomagnetic storm in two decades slammed Earth, producing light displays across the Northern Hemisphere. And soon afterward, a powerful solar storm dazzled skygazers far from the Arctic Circle when dancing lights appeared in unexpected places, including Germany, the United Kingdom, New England and New York City.

    The sun’s active spurt is expected to last at least through the end of this year, though when solar activity will peak won’t be known until months after the fact, according to NASA and NOAA.

    How solar storms affect Earth

    Solar storms can bring more than colorful lights to Earth.

    When fast-moving particles and plasma slam into Earth’s magnetic field, they can temporarily disrupt the power grid. Space weather can also interfere with air traffic control, radio and satellites in orbit. Severe storms are capable of scrambling other radio and GPS communications.

    In 1859, a severe solar storm triggered auroras as far south as Hawaii and set telegraph lines on fire in a rare event. And a 1972 solar storm may have detonated magnetic U.S. sea mines off the coast of Vietnam.

    Space weather experts aren’t able to predict a solar storm months in advance. Instead, they alert relevant parties to prepare in the days before a solar outburst hits Earth.

    How to see auroras

    Northern lights forecasts can be found on NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center website or an aurora forecasting app.

    Consider aurora-watching in a quiet, dark area away from city lights. Experts recommend skygazing from a local or national park. And check the weather forecast because clouds can cover up the spectacle entirely.

    Taking a picture with a smartphone camera may also reveal hints of the aurora that aren’t visible to the naked eye.

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  • Geomagnetic storm from a solar flare could disrupt radio communications and create a striking aurora

    Geomagnetic storm from a solar flare could disrupt radio communications and create a striking aurora

    Geomagnetic storm from a solar flare could disrupt radio communications and create a striking aurora

    Space weather forecasters have issued a geomagnetic storm watch through Monday

    Space weather forecasters have issued a geomagnetic storm watch through Monday, saying an outburst of plasma from a solar flare could interfere with radio transmissions on Earth. It could also make for great aurora viewing.There’s no reason for the public to be concerned, according to the alert issued Saturday by NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder, Colorado.Related video above: Here’s what to expect as the Sun approaches its Solar MaximumThe storm could interrupt high-frequency radio transmissions, such as by aircraft trying to communicate with distant traffic control towers. Most commercial aircraft can use satellite transmission as backup, said Jonathan Lash, a forecaster at the center. Satellite operators might have trouble tracking their spacecraft, and power grids could also see some “induced current” in their lines, though nothing they can’t handle, he said.”For the general public, if you have clear skies at night and you are at higher latitudes, this would be a great opportunity to see the skies light up,” Lash said.Every 11 years, the sun’s magnetic field flips, meaning its north and south poles switch positions. Solar activity changes during that cycle, and it’s now near its most active, called the solar maximum. Related video below: An upcoming period of increased solar activity could help scientists understand some lingering uncertainties about the SunDuring such times, geomagnetic storms of the type that arrived Sunday can hit Earth a few times a year, Lash said. During solar minimum, a few years may pass between storms.In December, the biggest solar flare in years disrupted radio communications.

    BOULDER, Colo. —

    Space weather forecasters have issued a geomagnetic storm watch through Monday, saying an outburst of plasma from a solar flare could interfere with radio transmissions on Earth. It could also make for great aurora viewing.

    There’s no reason for the public to be concerned, according to the alert issued Saturday by NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder, Colorado.

    Related video above: Here’s what to expect as the Sun approaches its Solar Maximum

    The storm could interrupt high-frequency radio transmissions, such as by aircraft trying to communicate with distant traffic control towers. Most commercial aircraft can use satellite transmission as backup, said Jonathan Lash, a forecaster at the center.

    Satellite operators might have trouble tracking their spacecraft, and power grids could also see some “induced current” in their lines, though nothing they can’t handle, he said.

    “For the general public, if you have clear skies at night and you are at higher latitudes, this would be a great opportunity to see the skies light up,” Lash said.

    NASA via AP

    This image provided by NASA shows the Sun seen from the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) satellite on Saturday, March 23, 2024. Space weather forecasters have issued a geomagnetic storm watch through Monday, March 25, 2024, saying an ouburst of plasma from a solar flare could interfere with radio transmissions on Earth and make for great aurora viewing. There’s no reason for the public to be concerned, according to the alert issued Saturday night by NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder, Colo. (NASA via AP)

    Every 11 years, the sun’s magnetic field flips, meaning its north and south poles switch positions. Solar activity changes during that cycle, and it’s now near its most active, called the solar maximum.

    Related video below: An upcoming period of increased solar activity could help scientists understand some lingering uncertainties about the Sun


    During such times, geomagnetic storms of the type that arrived Sunday can hit Earth a few times a year, Lash said. During solar minimum, a few years may pass between storms.

    In December, the biggest solar flare in years disrupted radio communications.

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