Space weather is that term referring to any phenomenon that affects the environmental conditions in space, especially those related to solar activity. Though a relatively neglected feature, in reality, it has been playing a very important role in affecting technological systems on Earth as well as human activities in space. Understanding phenomena related to the Sun like solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and solar wind is very important to mitigate their possible impacts.
The sun is an active star continuously pumping energy through the medium of solar wind—more specifically, streams of charged particles emitted from its atmosphere. Such solar wind interacts with Earth's magnetic field and thus produces the beautiful displays that must have appeared around polar regions after an auroral storm. But such activity on the sun also brings effects far more dire upon our planet.
This is one of the most salient threats posed by space weather. Space weather represents sudden releases of radiation from the Sun's surface capable of interfering with the radio communications, GPS signals and power grids on Earth. For example, the Carrington Event in 1859 was recorded as being the largest solar storm ever. Many telegraph networks experienced blackouts due to it and, with time, were even set on fire. To say the least, such historical events remind modern technology about the possible vulnerability it may face because of solar activity.
Another threat is corona mass ejections. Billions of tons of plasma are sent flying into space in these huge eruptions of solar wind and magnetic fields, which could eventually impact Earth. As soon as such CMEs hit Earth, it creates geomagnetic storms and causes problems in the operations of satellites, navigation systems, and even brings about loss of power.
As the reliance on technology increased, so did the necessity for understanding space weather. Of all phenomena in space critical to communication, weather forecasting, and navigation, solar activity has posed the biggest threat to satellites. Increased radiation causes damage to satellite electronics and deteriorates their performance, which affects anything from global communications to financial transactions.
Space weather monitoring and prediction are carried out through different space weather monitoring systems operated by organizations such as NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).Tracing solar activity and warning about potential impacts can be done with satellites and instruments on the ground. Scientists can issue alerts to industries and governments before precautions if a solar flare or CME is predicted by data about the flares and CMEs.
In addition to monitoring, research continues with the aim of building a better understanding of solar phenomena. Scientists study the Sun's magnetic field and its role in solar activity and strive to create predictive models. Models are essential in predicting possible storms which originate from the sun and their implications on Earth.
In a word, space weather is an important part of our interaction with cosmos. Because the technological aspect advances and our reliance on satellite systems grows, the study of solar activity becomes more important. By bettering the means to monitor or predict space weather conditions, we could prepare ourselves and decrease the impact of space weather on our home planet, thereby continuing to operate our technological infrastructure.
