Houston, Texas – Space weather phenomena, often seen as a distant concept, have a direct impact on Earth when solar storms occur. These storms, responsible for the mesmerizing Northern Lights, can also disrupt communication systems and power grids. Recently, NASA released findings from 2021 highlighting the significance of solar flares and their effects on our planet. As space agencies continue to explore beyond Earth, monitoring solar storms becomes increasingly crucial to protect humans, satellites, and spacecraft.
Solar storms can pose risks to exploration across the Solar System, as noted by Colin Wilson, the ExoMars TGO project scientist. Understanding high-level radiation events through robotic missions is essential in preparing for future crewed missions. NASA’s heliophysics missions use spacecraft to delve deeper into space phenomena, shedding light on the aftermath of solar events and the release of particles into space.
In a historic era of numerous satellites and instruments exploring space, NASA’s missions provide valuable insights into these solar occurrences. The recent study on a solar outburst on April 17, 2021, showcased how multiple spacecraft captured the widespread impact of the storm. This event marked the first time such energetic particles were observed not only between Earth and the sun but also between Earth and Mars.
Researchers, led by Nina Dresing from the University of Turku in Finland, emphasize the dangers of solar energetic particles to technology like satellites and GPS systems. Moreover, humans in space or on polar airplane routes may face radiation exposure during strong solar events. By analyzing data from various spacecraft, researchers painted a clearer picture of how particles from the solar ejection affected each space probe.
Georgia de Nolfo, a heliophysics research scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, highlighted the unique insights gained from observing electrons and protons from different sources during the solar event. Future studies, building on these results, aim to deepen our understanding of space weather and enhance our exploration of the final frontier. Instruments like the Geospace Dynamics Constellation (GDC), SunRISE, PUNCH, and HelioSwarm will facilitate further research into various space phenomena.
The study, published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, underscores the importance of continued research on space weather to ensure the safety and success of future space missions. As technology advances and our understanding of solar events improves, we can mitigate the risks posed by solar storms and explore space with greater confidence.