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A cluster of satellites lifted off from Florida this week to monitor solar storms, powerful eruptions from the sun that can create dazzling auroras but also pose serious risks to Earth’s power grids, GPS systems, and astronauts in deep space. 

The new missions, a collaboration between NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), represent a major step forward in space weather forecasting.

A Multi-Satellite Mission

Three satellites soared into space aboard a SpaceX rocket from Kennedy Space Center, aiming for a sun-orbiting position about 1 million miles (1.6 million kilometers) from Earth. The mission is valued at $1.6 billion, with NASA investing over $879 million and NOAA contributing $693 million.

NASA scientist Joe Westlake described the collaboration as “the ultimate cosmic carpool,” noting that sharing a rocket significantly reduced cost.

The lineup includes:

• Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP): Designed to study the heliosphere — the solar wind-driven bubble that surrounds our solar system — while also providing astronauts with up to 30 minutes’ warning of incoming solar storms.
• Carruthers Geocorona Observatory: A smaller NASA mission focused on Earth’s farthest-reaching, glowing atmosphere. It honors the late George Carruthers, who built the ultraviolet telescope used during Apollo 16 in 1972.
• SWFO-L1: NOAA’s first spacecraft fully dedicated to space weather forecasting, offering 24/7 monitoring of the sun’s activity and solar winds.

Officials expect NASA’s satellites to be operational early next year, with NOAA’s entering service by spring.

Why Solar Storms Matter

Solar storms are triggered by solar flares and coronal mass ejections, often emerging near sunspots — dark regions of intense magnetic activity on the sun’s surface. These events can disrupt satellites, radio communications, and even power infrastructure on Earth.

“Just being able to put all those together to give us a much, much better view of the sun,” NASA science mission chief Nicky Fox explained, emphasizing that the combined observations will greatly improve forecasting.

For astronauts participating in NASA’s upcoming Artemis missions around the moon, warnings could be lifesaving. If a storm strikes, astronauts will take shelter beneath the capsule floor to reduce radiation exposure.

New Discoveries About the Sun’s Magnetic Field

In addition to new spacecraft, recent scientific findings may help refine forecasts. Research published in 2024 revealed that the sun’s magnetic field originates just 20,000 miles beneath the surface — far closer than the previously believed 130,000 miles. This discovery, scientists say, could make predicting periods of extreme solar storms far more accurate (AP News).

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Looking Ahead

As spectacular as the northern and southern lights are, the true goal of these missions is practical: protecting Earth’s infrastructure and future explorers in deep space. With solar activity expected to rise in the coming years, officials stress that enhanced monitoring is more crucial than ever.

“Space weather forecasting is not just about science,” one NASA official noted. “It’s about safeguarding technology, astronauts, and the systems we rely on every day.”

For more background, see:

• NASA launches urgent mission to protect GPS, power grids from solar storms
• A solar beacon in South Africa highlights Africa’s renewable energy potential | AP News