Understanding the data that affects our planet and technology
What is space weather and why it matters
Geomagnetic activity levels
Particle streams from the Sun
Proton and electron flux
Sunspots and solar flux
Effects on Earth and technology
Space weather refers to the environmental conditions in space as influenced by solar activity. Just like Earth's weather affects our daily lives, space weather affects satellites, power grids, communications, and even human health in space.
Measures geomagnetic activity on a scale of 0-9. Higher values indicate more active conditions.
Stream of charged particles from the Sun that interacts with Earth's magnetic field.
High-energy particles that can affect satellites and astronauts.
Sunspots and solar flux indicate the Sun's current activity level.
The KP index is a measure of geomagnetic activity based on measurements from ground-based magnetometers around the world. It ranges from 0 (quiet) to 9 (extreme storm).
Very low geomagnetic activity. Minimal impact on technology.
Moderate activity. Minor impacts on high-frequency radio.
Significant activity. Power grid fluctuations possible.
High activity. Widespread power grid problems possible.
Extreme activity. Major power outages and satellite damage possible.
The solar wind is a stream of charged particles (mostly protons and electrons) that flows outward from the Sun at speeds of 300-800 km/s.
How fast the solar wind particles are traveling. Higher speeds can cause more geomagnetic activity.
Number of particles per cubic centimeter. Higher density means more particles impacting Earth.
North-south component of the interplanetary magnetic field. Negative values can trigger geomagnetic storms.
High-energy particles from the Sun and cosmic rays that can affect satellites, astronauts, and even aircraft at high altitudes.
High-energy protons that can cause satellite anomalies and radiation exposure.
High-energy electrons that can cause satellite charging and communication disruptions.
The Sun's activity level affects all space weather conditions. We monitor sunspots and solar flux to understand current solar conditions.
Radio emission from the Sun at 10.7 cm wavelength. Indicates overall solar activity.
Number of sunspots visible on the Sun's surface. Higher numbers indicate more active periods.
The Sun follows an 11-year cycle of activity. During solar maximum, there are more sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections. During solar minimum, activity is much lower.
Space weather affects many aspects of modern life, from power grids to satellite communications.