NASA and NOAA Launch $1.6 Billion Mission to Monitor Solar Storms and Protect Earth

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“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.