☀️ Space Weather Monitoring
Real-time space weather monitoring using NASA's DONKI (Space Weather Database Of Notifications, Knowledge, Information) system. Track solar activity affecting Earth.
No recent space weather events detected
Space weather monitoring continues
Solar Flares (FLR)
Intense bursts of electromagnetic radiation from the Sun's surface. Can disrupt radio communications and satellite operations.
• X-class: Extreme events
• M-class: Strong events
• C-class: Moderate events
Coronal Mass Ejections (CME)
Massive bursts of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun's corona. Can cause geomagnetic storms when directed toward Earth.
• Speed: 250-3000 km/s
• Travel time: 1-5 days to Earth
• Major aurora trigger
Geomagnetic Storms (GST)
Disturbances in Earth's magnetosphere caused by solar wind interactions. Affect navigation systems and power grids.
• G1-G5 scale severity
• Aurora at lower latitudes
• GPS accuracy degraded
Solar Energetic Particles (SEP)
High-energy particles accelerated by solar events. Pose radiation hazards to astronauts and airline passengers.
• S1-S5 scale severity
• Radiation exposure risk
• Polar flight rerouting
Radio Blackouts (R)
HF radio communication disruptions caused by increased solar X-ray flux. Affects aviation and maritime communications.
• R1-R5 scale severity
• HF radio degraded
• Navigation disrupted
Interplanetary Shock (IPS)
Shockwaves in solar wind that can trigger sudden geomagnetic activity. Often precede arrival of coronal mass ejections.
• Solar wind pressure jump
• Magnetic field changes
• CME arrival indicator
🛡️ Space Weather Impact Assessment
Technology Systems Affected
Satellite Communications
Signal degradation, surface charging, orbit decay
GPS/GNSS Navigation
Position accuracy reduced, timing errors
Power Grid Systems
Transformer damage, voltage fluctuations
Aviation Systems
HF radio blackouts, polar route radiation
Operational Impacts
Satellite Operations
Safe mode activation, mission delays
Human Spaceflight
EVA postponement, radiation exposure limits
Ground Systems
Tracking station interference, data corruption
Industrial Operations
Pipeline corrosion, drilling disruption
📚 Understanding Space Weather
Solar Activity Cycle
- • Solar Minimum: Low activity (few sunspots)
- • Solar Maximum: High activity (many sunspots)
- • 11-year cycle: Average solar activity period
- • Current cycle: Solar Cycle 25 (started 2019)
Monitoring Networks
- • SOHO: Solar and Heliospheric Observatory
- • SDO: Solar Dynamics Observatory
- • ACE: Advanced Composition Explorer
- • DSCOVR: Deep Space Climate Observatory
Critical Infrastructure: Space weather events can significantly impact modern technology and infrastructure. This educational platform helps understand these phenomena, but operational decisions should always rely on official space weather services like NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center.