Monitoring and Modeling Space Weather

   How do we know what kind of "weather" we're having in space? Scientists use a network of ground-based observatories combined with satellite-based instruments to monitor solar activity, measure magnetic fields, and detect many types of radiation. They also use complex computer models to help predict the ebb and flow of space weather systems.
Sunspots don't look that big when you see them on the Sun (remember NEVER look directly at the Sun), but in fact they can be enormous! This composite image shows just how big sunspots can be, to scale with an image of Earth. Sunspots can be as big, or bigger, than Earth. The <a href="/sun/activity/sunspot_history.html&edu=elem&dev=">earliest written record of a sunspot observation</a> was made by Chinese astronomers around 800 B.C.<p><small><em>Image courtesy of Windows to the Universe using images from the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences (sunspot image) and NASA (Earth image).</em></small></p>

Explore Monitoring and Modeling Space Weather

Instruments & Techniques for Space Weather Measurements

Scientists use a broad array of techniques and instruments to make the measurements needed ...Read more

How do Satellites & Spacecraft Monitor Space Weather?

Observations by Earth-orbiting satellites and other spacecraft have revolutionized our understanding ...Read more

Ground-based Observations of Space Weather

Some observations of space weather phenomena are made by spacecraft. Other observations are ...Read more

Modeling Space Weather

Scientists who study space weather make extensive use of computer models to make sense of complex ...Read more

Metrics & Indices that Describe Space Weather

Meteorologists measure quantities like wind speed, rainfall amounts, and temperature. They ...Read more

Historical Events

Full Earth and Space Science    History Calendar (Members only)

Teacher Opportunities

Full Teacher Events Calendar (Educator Members only)

Did you know?

Did you know that the Sun will eventually evolve into a red dwarf star, and finally, a white dwarf star?

Do you know what the Cairns of Clava and Newgrange have in common?

 

Earth and Space Science Concept of the Day

Do you know what this word or phrase means?

Riparian
xRiparian : The bank of a river or other body of water; may include the floodplains

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


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. NASA ESIP NCSE HHMI AGU AGI AMS NOAA