SPACE
WEATHER
Public Dialogue
An introduction to
SPACE WEATHER
What is space weather?
The term ‘space weather’ describes conditions in space, near the Earth.
These conditions are always changing because the Sun constantly releases
a stream of charged particles into space. This is called the solar wind.
Occasionally there are sudden large disturbances – we call these severe
space weather events.
Space weather is what we call a natural hazard because it creates naturally
occurring events that can disrupt our lives on Earth.
Energy and matter flow from Sun to Earth and interact with our planet’s magnetic field.
What types of space weather are there?
The stream of particles constantly released by the Sun – the solar wind – sometimes
has a high-speed rush. This is called a high-speed solar wind stream.
Or, the Sun can produce a massive explosion of particles and magnetic fields
– called a coronal mass ejection.
The Sun can also release intense flashes of light known as solar flares. Or it
can generate radio signals called solar radio bursts.
The coronal mass ejections and the solar flares can also produce intense bursts
of radiation. These are called solar radiation storms.
Can space weather really affect us?
Space weather events radiate from the Sun in different directions. Most of the time, it’s away from Earth. But sometimes,
it’s directly towards us and could even be powerful enough to reach us.
If a coronal mass ejection or a high-speed stream reaches us on Earth, it can cause magnetic storms – the Northern Lights
are a visible result of a magnetic storm happening in our atmosphere.
The Northern Lights.
How might it impact our lives?
Space weather can have a range of effects on spacecraft, satellites and aircraft. It can also affect communication systems
on Earth, as well as transportation networks, pipelines and power grids.
These impacts are often very small, but could be larger if a severe space weather event happens.