Space Weather
Space Weather is the term scientists use to describe the ever changing conditions in space. Explosions on the Sun create storms of radiation, fluctuating magnetic fields, and swarms of energetic particles. These phenomena travel outward through the Solar System with the solar wind. Upon arrival at Earth, they interact in complex ways with Earth's magnetic field, creating Earth's radiation belts and the Aurora. Some space weather storms can damage satellites, disable electric power grids, and disrupt cell phone communications systems.
What's New on the Site?
When Nature Strikes - Earthquakes
When Nature Strikes - Volcanoes
When Nature Strikes: Tsunami Classroom Activity
When Nature Strikes: Wildfires - Why are they a challenge to stop?
Windows to the Universe Community | |
News | Opportunities |
Explore Space Weather
Introduction to Space Weather
What are scientists talking about when they say "space weather"? How is it like weather ...Read more
Space Weather Today
Like weather on Earth, space weather is constantly changing. On Earth you can simply look ...Read more
Explore Space Weather
Space weather begins at the Sun and its ever-expanding atmosphere. From the human perspective, ...Read more
Monitoring and Modeling Space Weather
How do we know what kind of "weather" we're having in space? Scientists use a network of ...Read more
Physics of Space weather
Subatomic particles zipping around through magnetized plasma - does that sound like physics ...Read more
Multimedia
Access spectacular movies and a very full image gallery to find out more about space weather ...Read more
Activities, Projects & Problems
Hands-on activities, longer term projects, and tricky problems to tickle your brain - we've ...Read more
Glossary
There is a lot of specialized language used in the field of space weather. Here are definitions ...Read more
Center for Integrated Space Weather Modeling
Visit the CISM site to read news and highlights, access presentations and seminars ...Read more
Archive
This is the "old" space weather section in case you're looking for a page that was housed there ...Read moreMore about Space Weather
- Links
Global locations of visitors using this page right now
Historical Events
Full Earth and Space Science History Calendar (Members only)
Teacher Opportunities
Full Teacher Events Calendar (Educator Members only)
Did you know?
Do you know what the shape of your earlobes has to do with your genetics?Did you know that Zephyr was the Greek god of the west wind?
Earth and Space Science Concept of the Day
Do you know what this word or phrase means?Sand boil
xSand boil : A sand boil is sand and water that come out onto the ground surface during an earthquake as a result of liquefaction at shallow depth.
Click on the word to find out!
Research Highlights
New Findings Indicate Sediment Composition Affected the Strength of Sumatran Earthquake
Sumatra experiences frequent seismic activity because it is located near the boundary of two of Earth's tectonic plates. Earthquakes occur at 'subduction zones,' such as the one west of Indonesia, when...Read more
Please log in
Science Blogs
Real Climate: climate science from climate scientists
Windows to the Universe, a project of the National Earth Science Teachers Association, is sponsored in part is sponsored in part through grants from federal agencies (NASA and NOAA), and partnerships with affiliated organizations, including the American Geophysical Union, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Earth System Information Partnership, the American Meteorological Society, the National Center for Science Education, and TERC. The American Geophysical Union and the American Geosciences Institute are Windows to the Universe Founding Partners. NESTA welcomes new Institutional Affiliates in support of our ongoing programs, as well as collaborations on new projects. Contact NESTA for more information.
