NASA News
NASA Science Update: Scientists Closer to Forecasting Periods of Calm Space Weather
08.16.05
NASA-funded solar scientists have made a big stride forward in learning how to forecast "all clear" periods of space weather. Such forecasts are important for astronauts who are planning spacewalks and for satellite, power grid, and aircraft operators.
In terms of space weather forecasting, some might say we're on par with terrestrial weather forecasting in the 1950s. Scientists study the complex patterns of solar magnetic field lines to predict storms, which is not always reliable. This new method combines computer models with images of the active solar surface and atmosphere (corona) from the TRACE and SOHO spacecraft.
+ Dr. Richard Fisher, Director, NASA Sun-Solar System Connection Division, Washington
+ Dr. Karel Schrijver, Senior Staff Physicist, Lockheed Martin Solar and Astrophysics Laboratory, Palo Alto, Calif.
+ Dr. Marc DeRosa, Research Physicist, Lockheed Martin Solar and Astrophysics Laboratory, Palo Alto, Calif.
+ Joseph Kunches, Chief of Forecast and Analysis Branch, NOAA Space Environment Center, Boulder, Colo.
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Erica Hupp NASA Headquarters Washington, DC Phone: 202/358-1237 |
Rachel Weintraub NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Maryland Phone: 301/286-0918 |
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Bill Steigerwald NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Maryland Phone: 301/286-5017 | Buddy Nelson Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Center Palo Alto, California Phone: 510/797-0349 |
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