| public resources > introduction |
The Solar MURI project is concerned with the solar origins of space weather. Space weather is a complex
series of events that start deep within the Sun and extend throughout the solar system in the
form of energetic particles and radiation (such as X-rays). The Earth is not always affected by space
weather because its magnetic field deflects many of the charged particles that arrive here. However,
 |
| The solar magnetic field pattern observed by the MDI instrument on
the SOHO spacecraft |
space weather can have serious consequences which impact our daily lives. Among other things,
space weather is known to affect the operation of satellites, electrical power distribution, and
certain types of communication.
The physical processes that drive space weather manifest themselves in the ever changing
pattern of the solar magnetic field. Certain magnetic field configurations are related to the
solar eruptions and flares that emit the energetic particles and radiation out into the
solar system. By identifying these specific magnetic patterns, and understanding how space weather
travels through space and interacts with the Earth, we can use observations of the Sun to predict
when space weather will affect the Earth. This is one of the principal aims of the Solar MURI project.
There are numerous resources for space weather and related aspects of solar physics, and we have compiled
a list of space weather and solar physics links that are of public interest.
To view some of the latest work from the Solar MURI project, please visit our
Solar MURI gallery.
|
|
 |
|
|
