Space weather monitoring systems in the United States keep a close watch on solar activity levels. Right now, things are pretty normal—HF radio has only weak degradation, and navigation signals might dip in performance for short stretches.
Solar monitoring stations across the USA keep tabs on space weather with satellite networks and ground observatories. Solar activity sits at moderate levels, and the solar wind keeps interacting with Earth’s magnetosphere.
HF radio communications might get a little fuzzy on the sunlit side of Earth. Radio operators could notice contacts dropping out now and then, especially when the sun acts up.
Navigation systems sometimes see low-frequency signal degradation for a few moments. GPS and other positioning services mostly keep working, so most folks don’t notice much.
Solar wind conditions look stable, with velocity readings staying in their usual range. The interplanetary magnetic field bounces around as expected, but nothing wild enough to set off major space weather alarms.
The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center tracks daily maximums across several categories. Right now, readings show R1-R2 radio blackout levels—nothing dramatic.
Solar radiation storm activity sits below S1 thresholds. No unusual particle radiation events have popped up in the latest window.
Geomagnetic storm conditions stay below G1 levels, with Kp indices under 5. North American geomagnetic fields remain quiet or just a little unsettled.
The system updates these maximums all the time. Forecasters check the numbers every half hour to keep their assessments up to date.
Key metrics help paint a full picture for USA-based operations. Solar wind speed stays in the normal zone, with no major stream interactions.
Solar wind magnetic fields—both Bt and Bz—fall within expected limits. These orientations matter for geomagnetic activity and whether you’ll catch an aurora or not.
The 10.7cm radio flux is a handy marker for solar activity. Scientists use it as a baseline to track the solar cycle and guess at future space weather patterns.
Noon readings of the 10.7cm radio flux set the daily benchmark. This data helps researchers follow solar cycles and predict what might hit North America next.
NOAA uses three scales to rate space weather events by strength and their effects on Earth systems. Radio blackouts (R-Scale) disrupt communications, while solar radiation storms (S-Scale) can threaten astronauts and satellites.
NOAA came up with the Space Weather Scales in 1999 to make space weather easier to understand. They work a bit like hurricane categories, using numbers to show how bad each event is.
The three main scales are geomagnetic storms (G-Scale), radio blackouts (R-Scale), and solar radiation storms (S-Scale). Each one goes from 1 to 5—1 means minor, 5 means extreme.
Radio blackouts kick in when solar flares blast Earth’s atmosphere. Solar radiation storms show up when high-energy particles from the sun hit us. These things can mess with power grids, satellites, and radio.
The scales also hint at how often these events show up during the 11-year solar cycle. Minor ones, like R1-R2 blackouts, happen almost daily when the sun’s active. The really big ones—R3 and up—are rare.
Space weather touches a lot of daily life. GPS can get less accurate. Airlines sometimes have to reroute over the poles. Astronauts may postpone spacewalks if radiation spikes.
Solar X-ray flares hit the ionosphere on Earth’s sunlit side, causing radio blackouts. The R-Scale runs from R1 (minor) to R5 (extreme), measuring how strong these flares get.
R1 events just cause a little HF radio trouble. These minor blackouts happen about 2,000 times over each solar cycle. Radio folks will notice brief dropouts.
R2 and R3 blackouts are more serious. R2 can block HF radio for tens of minutes, while R3 storms can wipe out a wide area for about an hour. Navigation signals also struggle during these.
The worst are R4 and R5 events. R4 storms can block HF radio across most of Earth’s sunlit side for one to two hours. R5 events create total blackouts lasting several hours.
Airlines on polar routes get hit the hardest during these blackouts. Pilots lose HF contact with air traffic control and have to rely on satellites or change course for better coverage.
Maritime operations take a hit too. Ships depend on HF for long-range calls. Emergency services sometimes need backup plans when radios go silent.
Solar radiation storms blast high-energy particles toward Earth at incredible speeds. The S-Scale runs from S1 (minor) to S5 (extreme), based on how intense the particles get.
S1 storms are minor and show up about 50 times per solar cycle. Not a big deal for most, but they can mess with HF radio near the poles.
S2 and S3 events mean moderate to strong radiation. People on high-altitude polar flights get extra radiation exposure. Satellites might glitch or reset for a bit.
The most dangerous storms are S4 and S5. S4 keeps astronauts indoors, away from spacewalks. Airline crews and passengers on polar flights face real radiation risks.
S5 storms are the worst—astronauts can’t avoid the radiation, and satellites might lose their solar panels for good. These are super rare—less than once per cycle.
Biological effects start to matter at S1 or higher. Pregnant women are especially at risk. Airlines keep an eye on space weather and may cancel or reroute flights if things get too intense.
Space agencies watch S-Scale events closely to keep astronauts and spacecraft safe. The International Space Station has shielded spots for crew to shelter during storms.
Space weather can really mess with radio systems in the US. Solar flares throw out strong X-rays that jam high-frequency transmissions, mainly on Earth’s sunlit side. Sometimes, this leads to full-on communication blackouts.
High-frequency radio (3–30 MHz) is essential for aviation, ships, and emergencies. These radio waves bounce off the ionosphere to reach faraway places.
Solar activity shakes up the ionosphere’s density and makeup. When the sun throws charged particles at us, the way radio waves reflect or travel changes.
HF radio systems affected:
The ionosphere gets unstable during solar events. Radio waves that usually bounce back to Earth get absorbed or scattered, leaving dead zones with no signal.
Commercial airlines count on HF radio for ocean flights. When space weather hits, pilots can lose contact with air traffic control over huge stretches of water.
Radio signals break down mostly on Earth’s dayside during solar flares. The sun’s X-rays slam into the ionosphere, causing instant communication headaches.
This happens because solar X-rays ionize the D-layer of the ionosphere. Normally, this layer reflects low frequencies but, when overloaded, it just soaks up HF signals.
How bad things get depends on the flare’s strength. Small flares cause weak signals and static. Big ones can knock out radio for hours.
Degradation patterns:
Where you are matters, too. Folks in the eastern US get hit in the morning, while the west feels it in the afternoon as Earth spins through the solar blast.
Losing all radio contact is the worst-case scenario for space weather and communications. Solar flares can throw out such strong X-rays that they overwhelm the ionosphere.
Radio operators suddenly lose signals with no warning. Calls turn to static or silence across several bands. Even backup frequencies often don’t help.
How long it lasts can be anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Strong solar flares keep things knocked out until the sun calms down.
Who gets hit hardest:
Signals come back slowly as the radiation drops. Lower frequencies usually return first, then higher HF bands. There’s not much to do but wait—no technical fix works while the event is active.
Space weather prediction services give warnings in advance. Radio operators can switch to backups before a big solar event arrives.
Solar storms and magnetic disturbances can make life tough for navigation systems in America. Low-frequency signals seem to get hit the hardest when space weather acts up.
Low-frequency navigation (90–110 kHz) gives backup for ships, planes, and vehicles. These signals travel far by bouncing off the ionosphere.
The FAA uses these systems if GPS goes down. Ships depend on them for coastal navigation along US shores.
Key Low-Frequency Systems in the USA:
These signals need a stable ionosphere. The ionosphere acts like a mirror for radio waves, but space weather can warp it and make it unreliable.
Ships on the Great Lakes and planes over Alaska really count on these backups. Remote spots with weak GPS need low-frequency navigation the most.
Solar flares and geomagnetic storms can really mess with navigation signals across the US. GPS might weaken or even cut out completely during big space weather events.
When charged particles from the sun hit Earth’s magnetic field, the ionosphere gets unstable. This leads to signal delays and position errors—sometimes by several meters.
Common Problems:
Airlines flying polar routes between the US and Asia get hit the worst. Sometimes, these flights have to reroute or land early when navigation fails.
Military operations also run into trouble with degraded signals. Training in Alaska and northern states often means dealing with GPS outages when space weather is active.
Space weather tends to hit low-frequency navigation systems harder than most others. These signals pass right through the most unstable parts of the ionosphere when storms roll in.
Commercial shipping along the Mississippi River and Great Lakes often loses reliable position data during these events. Tugboat operators and barge pilots end up relying on visual navigation to get by.
Major Operational Impacts:
The Coast Guard keeps tabs on these disruptions all along the American coastlines. They send out navigation warnings whenever low-frequency beacon signals become unreliable.
Railroad systems that use signal-based navigation run into problems too. Freight trains crossing remote stretches of Montana and North Dakota can face delays if backup navigation fails.
Commercial fishing fleets in Alaska waters really depend on these signals when GPS drops out. A lot of vessels carry extra low-frequency receivers just in case space weather knocks out their main systems.
Solar wind measurements and radio flux monitoring form the backbone of space weather prediction in the US. The Space Weather Prediction Center runs nonstop monitoring systems that track solar wind speed, magnetic field strength, and radio emissions to help forecast conditions.
Solar wind speed is a key measurement for forecasting. On a normal day, solar wind moves at 300-500 kilometers per second. But sometimes, it ramps up to 800 kilometers per second or even faster.
When fast solar wind slams into Earth’s magnetosphere, it stirs up geomagnetic disturbances. These can mess with satellite communications and GPS.
Solar wind magnetic fields matter just as much. Scientists focus on two things: Bt (total magnetic field strength) and Bz (the north-south component). The Bz component really shapes how solar wind interacts with Earth’s magnetic field.
If Bz points south, it connects more easily with Earth’s field. That lets solar wind energy pour into the magnetosphere more efficiently.
The 10.7cm radio flux is the standard way to measure solar activity. Scientists check this radio emission at noon every day and report it in solar flux units (sfu).
If the value is below 100 sfu, activity is low. Between 100-200 sfu means moderate activity. Anything above 200 sfu signals high solar activity.
This measurement lines up closely with other solar activity signs. Higher radio flux usually means more solar flares and coronal mass ejections are happening.
Radio flux data helps forecasters predict how space weather will hit Earth’s upper atmosphere. Satellite operators and radio communication providers use these predictions to plan their work.
The Space Weather Prediction Center keeps eyes on the sun and solar wind around the clock, every day of the year. SWPC issues space weather forecasts on three different time scales to help different users.
SWPC gets early reports on solar events from stations all over the world. Duty forecasters look over these reports and edit them before putting them out. The center updates event lists every 30 minutes at set times.
Later this year, SWPC plans to launch the SWFO-L1 satellite system to boost monitoring. This new system will provide nonstop solar observations and support even more accurate forecasts.
The center sends out official space weather alerts and forecasts for the US. These products help shield critical infrastructure like power grids, satellite systems, and aviation from space weather effects.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center stands as America’s main defense against dangerous space weather. The center provides nonstop monitoring and sends out targeted alerts to protect both ground infrastructure and space tourism.
The Space Weather Prediction Center acts as the nation’s official source for space weather alerts and forecasts. It’s based in Boulder, Colorado, and operates under NOAA’s National Weather Service.
SWPC keeps a close watch on solar activity that can disrupt satellite communications and navigation. The center tracks solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and geomagnetic storms. These events can damage spacecraft electronics and put astronauts at risk.
The center offers 24/7 monitoring with advanced physics-based models. SWPC recently boosted its prediction tools to give more lead time for geomagnetic storm warnings. These upgrades help satellite operators and space tourism companies get ready for possible trouble.
SWPC protects vital infrastructure like GPS, power grids, and communication networks. The center works with both military and commercial space operators. Space tourism companies depend on SWPC data to make flight safety calls.
SWPC uses the NOAA Space Weather Scales for its alerts. The scales rate events from minor to extreme. Each one covers a different kind of space weather impact.
Radio Blackout Scale (R-Scale) runs from R1 to R5. R1 events mean weak radio issues. R5 events knock out high-frequency radio for hours.
Solar Radiation Storm Scale (S-Scale) goes from S1 to S5. These storms can fry satellite electronics and create radiation hazards for space travelers. S5 events are downright dangerous for astronauts.
Geomagnetic Storm Scale (G-Scale) tracks magnetic disturbances from G1 to G5. G1 storms might cause minor satellite operations hiccups. G5 storms can wreck power grids and cause widespread satellite trouble.
SWPC puts out the Space Weather Advisory Outlook every Monday. That advisory covers the past week and gives a seven-day forecast. When dangerous space weather pops up, the center sends out immediate warnings.
The US government delivers comprehensive space weather monitoring through detailed reports, forecasts, and huge data archives. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center provides real-time observations, including 24-hour maximums and current conditions that can affect everything from satellites to power grids.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) puts together thorough reports on observed space weather data and conditions. These reports cover daily, weekly, and longer timescales.
The space weather summary gives a clear snapshot of solar activity. Current reports track HF radio conditions, showing when weak or minor degradation hits communications on Earth’s sunlit side.
SWPC uses the NOAA Space Weather Scales to sort events. The scales run from R1-R2 for minor radio blackouts up to R3-R5 for severe events. Solar radiation storms get S1 or higher classifications depending on intensity.
24-hour observed maximums show up in standardized tables. These tables track the strongest space weather events each day. Navigation systems see degraded low-frequency signals during these active periods.
The reports use plain language so both casual users and scientists can follow along. Each summary sticks to practical impacts and skips heavy technical jargon.
SWPC offers forecasting tools and graphics that give advance warning of upcoming space activity. These forecasts help satellite operators, airlines, and power companies get ready for possible disruptions.
Weekly reports blend observed data with predictive models. They highlight major solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and geomagnetic storms expected soon.
Forecasting models provide longer-term outlooks for future space weather. These models look at solar cycle patterns and current magnetic field conditions.
Commercial space operations lean heavily on these weekly forecasts. Launch schedules often shift based on predicted geomagnetic activity that could affect spacecraft.
The forecasts show confidence levels and probability ranges. Users get realistic expectations, not just black-and-white predictions for complicated space weather.
NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) keeps the official long-term archive for SWPC data. NCEI recently reorganized their space weather collection to make digital data easier to find.
The archive holds centuries of solar and space weather observations. Researchers use historical data to study long-term trends and check prediction models.
NCEI curates, stores, and shares massive amounts of space weather info. The organization keeps up data quality standards and offers several ways to access the data.
Both government agencies and private companies use archived data for analysis. The archives help spot routine space weather patterns and flag the extreme events that mess with infrastructure.
Data access includes real-time feeds and historical datasets. Users can download specific time periods or tap into continuous monitoring streams for operations.
Space weather severity depends on specific magnetic field measurements and radio emissions that have a direct impact on spacecraft and communications. The Bt nT and Bz nT magnetic field components are critical for predicting geomagnetic disturbances, while radio flux standards measure solar activity that affects satellites.
The Bt (total magnetic field strength) and Bz (north-south component) measurements, in nanoteslas (nT), are the main indicators for space weather events. Solar wind monitoring satellites between Earth and the Sun collect these values.
Bt nT levels usually sit between 2-10 nT during quiet times. When they climb above 15 nT, solar wind activity is picking up. Extreme events can push Bt past 40 nT.
The Bz component is even more important for space weather impacts. When Bz turns negative (points south), it connects well with Earth’s field. Bz values between -5 to -10 nT trigger minor geomagnetic storms. Below -20 nT, things get rough—severe storms can disrupt satellites and power grids.
Space weather forecasters keep a constant eye on these numbers. When negative Bz and high Bt stick around together, that’s when things get dicey for technology in space and on the ground.
The 10.7cm radio flux is a solid way to track solar activity that affects space operations. This metric measures solar radio emissions at 2.8 GHz, reported in solar flux units (SFU).
During solar minimum, 10.7cm flux values hover around 65-70 SFU. At solar maximum, they can jump to 200-300 SFU or higher during big flares.
Radio flux measurements tie closely to solar ultraviolet radiation. Higher flux means more solar activity and a bigger risk to high-frequency communications and satellites.
Space agencies check daily 10.7cm flux readings to see how Earth’s upper atmosphere is changing. More solar activity heats the upper atmosphere, making it expand and increasing satellite drag. This expansion throws off orbital predictions and can mess with navigation and communications.
The United States has felt the effects of several major space weather events that knocked out power grids and communications. The 1989 geomagnetic storm caused big blackouts in Canada and hit US infrastructure, while the 1859 Carrington Event sent electric currents strong enough to disrupt telegraph systems all over the country.
The Carrington Event of 1859 stands as the most powerful space weather event in US history. Telegraph wires sparked and caught fire across the country. In Pittsburgh, people saw “streams of fire” erupting from the lines.
This wild geomagnetic storm sent electric currents so strong that some telegraph operators actually got shocked. The aurora stretched as far south as the Caribbean, leaving Americans stunned—most had never seen the northern lights before.
The March 1989 geomagnetic storm really showed how space weather can threaten modern technology. It hit the HydroQuebec power grid in Canada hard, but the storm also caused power fluctuations across northeastern US states.
US satellites ran into operational problems during this event. The storm proved that space weather can cripple electrical infrastructure in minutes.
Research suggests extreme space weather events happen about every 40 to 60 years. Scientists have found 14 major events over the past 500 years by digging through historical records.
Power grid vulnerabilities became obvious during the 1989 event when geomagnetically induced currents surged through transmission lines. These currents can wreck expensive transformers that take months to replace.
The airline industry faces real risks from space weather. High-frequency radio communications can go down during geomagnetic storms, forcing flights to use alternate routes or emergency frequencies.
GPS systems get unreliable during space weather events. The ionosphere turns chaotic, causing positioning errors that mess with everything from farming equipment to emergency services.
Satellite operations suffer during geomagnetic storms. In 2022, SpaceX lost 40 Starlink satellites when a minor solar storm increased atmospheric drag and pulled them out of orbit.
The financial sector relies on precise timing from GPS satellites for high-frequency trading. Space weather disruptions can mess with transaction processing and market operations across major US exchanges.
Space weather events create big risks for America’s most critical systems. Solar flares hit power grids with geomagnetically induced currents, while aviation deals with communication blackouts that ground flights and put passengers at risk.
The US electrical grid faces serious threats from geomagnetically induced currents during space weather events. When coronal mass ejections hit Earth, they trigger magnetic field changes that create unwanted electrical currents in power transmission lines.
These currents run through transformers and other grid equipment not built to handle them. Big transformers can overheat and fail for good during major geomagnetic storms.
The 1989 Quebec blackout really showed this vulnerability. A geomagnetic storm triggered failures that left 6 million people without power for 9 hours. Grid operators lost multiple transformers during the chaos.
High-risk areas include:
Power companies now keep an eye on space weather forecasts to get ready for possible disruptions. They adjust system operations and reduce loads when severe storms approach.
Commercial aviation relies heavily on HF radio communication for flights over oceans and remote places. Solar flares spark sudden ionospheric disturbances that block these crucial radio signals.
During major solar events, HF radio can fail completely on Earth’s sunlit side. Pilots lose contact with air traffic control for hours sometimes. Airlines have to reroute flights or delay departures until communications come back.
Polar routes are especially risky during space weather. Airlines often divert flights away from polar regions during solar radiation storms to keep passengers safe and maintain radio contact.
The aviation industry uses space weather alerts to make decisions. Flight crews get warnings about possible blackouts before takeoff. Air traffic controllers adjust flight paths and altitudes based on current space weather conditions.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center gives free access to real-time space weather data on several public platforms. These resources help citizens, businesses, and space fans keep an eye on solar activity that might affect technology and space travel.
NOAA runs the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) as the nation’s official source for space weather alerts and forecasts. The agency sends out free warnings about solar storms that could disrupt GPS navigation, satellite communications, and power grids.
You can check current space weather conditions through SWPC’s notification system. The center sends alerts when solar activity reaches levels that might affect everyday tech.
SWPC uses the NOAA Space Weather Scales to show risk levels. These scales rate events from minor (R1) to extreme (R5) for radio blackouts. Solar radiation storms get ratings from S1 to S5.
The prediction center runs advanced computer models that analyze solar data. These models help forecasters give advance warning of space weather events. NOAA recently upgraded its forecasting with new mathematical models that boost prediction accuracy.
SWPC maintains several web-based tools that show real-time space weather info. The Space Weather Enthusiasts Dashboard offers detailed data for users who want to monitor everything.
These online portals display current conditions for HF radio communications and navigation systems. You can see 24-hour observed maximums for different types of space weather events.
The dashboards include 27-day outlook reports that predict solar activity trends. These longer-range forecasts help users plan activities that might get disrupted by space weather.
SWPC provides specialized products for different groups. Aviation professionals can access International Civil Aviation Organization space weather advisories. The general public gets simplified alerts about potential tech impacts.
Space weather monitoring in the United States means tracking solar activity that can mess with technology, communications, and power systems. The Space Weather Prediction Center provides real-time forecasts and warnings to help protect critical infrastructure and keep the public informed about possible impacts.
The Space Weather Prediction Center puts out daily forecasts that track solar activity and its possible effects on Earth. Satellites and ground-based observatories watch the sun’s behavior around the clock.
Space weather forecasters analyze real-time data from multiple sources. They check out solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and high-speed solar wind streams. This info helps them predict when space weather events might hit Earth.
Daily forecasts include geomagnetic storm predictions and solar radiation warnings. The center uses a scale system to rate how severe space weather events are. G1 through G5 ratings show geomagnetic storm intensity.
Solar flare classifications use X-ray measurements to determine strength. M-class and X-class flares can cause radio blackouts and navigation headaches. The timing of these effects depends on where the flare happens on the sun.
Solar storms mess with GPS signals by disturbing the ionosphere around Earth. This interference hits high-precision GPS users hardest, like aircraft navigation and surveying equipment.
Radio communications can go dark during solar radiation storms. Short-wave radio signals that bounce off the ionosphere lose their ability to travel far. Airlines often reroute flights over polar regions during these storms.
Cell phone systems might get disrupted by solar radio bursts. These powerful emissions can overwhelm the noise tolerance levels of cellular networks. Emergency services and first responders set up backup communication methods during severe events.
Satellite communications get interference from increased radiation and atmospheric heating. The ionosphere gets unstable during geomagnetic storms. This instability breaks up data transmissions with signal scintillation.
Geomagnetic storms push unwanted electrical currents into power transmission lines. These currents run through transformers and other grid equipment not made for them. The induced currents can trigger equipment failures and blackouts.
Power grid operators watch space weather forecasts to get ready for possible impacts. They might reduce power loads or shut down vulnerable transformers before storms arrive. Regional coordination helps keep the lights on during severe events.
The economic impact of a major space weather event could reach into the trillions of dollars. A National Academy of Sciences report estimated these costs for a total grid collapse scenario. Critical infrastructure like hospitals and emergency services could face long outages.
Transformer damage is the most serious long-term threat. Large power transformers can take months or even years to replace after a failure. Grid operators keep spare equipment and emergency response plans ready for space weather events.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration runs the Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder, Colorado. This facility provides official space weather forecasts, watches, and warnings for the United States. Their website offers real-time data and forecast products.
Space weather alerts go out through multiple channels to reach affected industries. Power companies, airlines, and satellite operators get targeted warnings. The general public can check forecasts through NOAA weather radio and mobile apps.
Emergency management agencies share space weather info with local authorities. The Federal Emergency Management Agency includes space weather in disaster planning. State and local emergency managers get briefings during severe space weather events.
Social media and news outlets share space weather updates during big events. Scientific organizations and astronomy groups often post educational content about current solar activity. Mobile weather apps now include space weather forecasts alongside regular weather updates.
Aurora forecasts predict when northern lights might show up at different latitudes. The Space Weather Prediction Center makes aurora maps that show the expected viewing line. These forecasts update every 30 minutes based on current geomagnetic conditions.
Geomagnetic storms push the aurora viewing zone farther south. During severe G4 and G5 storms, auroras become visible across the northern US. States like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Maine often see displays during moderate storm conditions.
Aurora viewing needs clear skies and low light pollution. Rural spots away from city lights work best. The best time is usually between 10 PM and 2 AM local time.
Mobile apps and websites offer aurora alerts for your location. These services send notifications when aurora activity picks up in your area. Photography fans use these tools to plan aurora watching and camera sessions.
When severe space weather is on the horizon, power grid operators jump into action with protective steps. They might cut power loads, disconnect equipment that’s at risk, or even switch over to manual controls for the most critical systems.
Utility companies keep emergency response teams on standby, making sure they know what to do if space weather hits hard.
Satellite operators don’t just sit back during radiation storms. They’ll often put satellites into safe mode or tweak orbital positions to dodge the worst exposure.
Communication providers get ready by setting up backup systems. If needed, they’ll reroute traffic through satellites that aren’t affected.
Airlines watch space weather forecasts closely, especially when planning flights near the poles. They keep alternate routes handy so they can steer clear of high-latitude regions when radiation storms threaten.
Flight crews get special training on how space weather might mess with their flights and what to do if things go sideways.
Emergency managers make sure space weather is part of disaster prep plans. They work with utility companies and communication providers to help keep the public safe.
It’s not just up to the pros, though. People at home can get ready by keeping emergency supplies around and making sure they have backup ways to communicate if a severe space weather warning pops up.
