This talk will highlight the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), space weather activity, forecasting, and potential impacts. Space weather has become a concern for our society due to its ability to disrupt or degrade certain types of communications and technologies. Solar Cycle 25 is progressing, with solar maximum predicted to be around 2025. This presentation’s intent is to inform participants about SWPC operations, space weather storms, and primary concerns with regards to possible impacts – such as for aviation, the power grid, space operations, and aurora.
Presenter
Shawn Dahl
Shawn Dahl is a space weather forecaster at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) in Boulder, CO. Shawn signed on with the U.S. Air Force in 1985, where he spent 22 years serving around the world in the intelligence and meteorology operations' fields; all while continuing university studies in history and physical sciences. He retired from the Air Force in 2007 and held jobs as a meteorological technician for the National Weather Service (NWS) and as a lead weather forecaster for the U.S. Air Force. He finally settled into his current position at SWPC eight years ago. Shawn also conducts additional work at SWPC as a focal point for customer decision support services, training, and education outreach programs. Shawn's work in education and outreach was recognized by the NWS as a National level Cline Award winner in 2018.