View of the Earth and Sun from space. Image courtesy of the Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, NASA Johnson Space Center.
Forecasting Space Weather in a Modern World
The term “space weather” refers to conditions in space caused by solar activity. While space weather affects the entire solar system, we are most concerned about its effects on Earth and the technology we rely on every day. To stay ahead of its harmful effects, experts watch the sun closely. Satellites operated by NOAA NESDIS and its partners, such as NASA, monitor the sun from space. Instruments operated by the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Geological Survey, and partners around the world gather space weather data from the ground. The National Weather Service Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) provides up-to-date outlooks and forecasts, as well as alerts, watches and warnings due to solar storms.
Space Weather Basics
Solar Activity
Our sun is a ball of intense activity, with magnetic fields twisting, snapping and exploding into space. Learn about the different types of solar activity that make up our magnificent sun.
Sunspots and the Solar Cycle
Activity on the sun can seem random, but there is a pattern of strong and weak seasons called the solar cycle. The solar cycle is one of the many data sets forecasters use to assess the likelihood of a solar event.
The Effects of Space Weather On Earth
Strong space weather threatens a world that increasingly relies on technology. From power grids and radio to GPS and aviation, learn how we navigate around the effects of space weather.