[LINK] Space Weather

[stephen at melbpc.org.au]

First Large-Scale Space Weather Model In Operation

Provides forecasters with one-to-four-day advance warning of solar storms

January 26, 2011
<http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=118395&org=NSF&from=news>


The first large-scale, physics-based space weather prediction model is 
transitioning from research into operation.

The model will provide forecasters with a one-to-four day advance warning 
of high speed streams of solar plasma and Earth-directed coronal mass 
ejections (CMEs).

These streams from the Sun may severely disrupt or damage space and 
ground based communications systems, and pose hazards to satellite 
operations.

CISM is an NSF Science and Technology Center made up of 11 member 
institutions. Established in 2002, CISM researchers address the emerging 
system-science of Sun-to-Earth space weather.

"It's very exciting to pioneer a path from research to operations in 
space weather," says scientist Jeffrey Hughes of Boston University, 
CISM's director. "The science is having a real impact on the practical 
problem of predicting when 'solar storms' will affect us here on Earth."

The development comes in response to the growing critical need to protect 
the global communications infrastructure and other sensitive technologies 
from severe space weather disruptions.

--

Cheers,
Stephen