Space Weather

Special Interest

Direct link to the Space Weather Prediction Center (formerly known as “SEC”, the Space Environment Center.

A team of NCAR scientists has issued an unprecedented forecast for the next sunspot cycle. New robust modeling of the next solar cycle indicates a 30-50% stronger cycle than the last one. Learn more...

Check out the growing Space Weather information site SpaceWeather.org.

 

Modules

content level: 0=for non-scientists, 1=basic, 2=intermediate, 3=advanced
Level Module Title and Link Quiz Link
content level: 3=advanced In-depth Physics Lessons
description (click to show/hide)
No Quiz

product thumbnailDescription:
This collection of four condensed physics lessons is offered as a companion to our Physics of the Aurora: Earth Systems learning module, and has been developed especially for use by university physics educators. The lesson topics are Charged Particle Motions, Magnetic Force, the Frozen-field Theorem, and Static Atmospheres. Each short, self-contained lesson can be accessed independently and includes interactive formula derivations, exercises, and open-ended questions suitable for classroom discussion or out-of-class assignments.

Estimated time to complete: 1-2 h

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   requires Flash plug-in: yes Flash requires RealPlayer plug-in: no RealPlayer requires Java plug-in: no Java requires AdobeReader plug-in: no Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2004-12-28

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content level: 2=intermediate Physics of the Aurora: Earth Systems
description (click to show/hide)
Quiz

product thumbnailDescription:
This interactive learning module introduces the systems and processes through which the Earth's magnetic field and upper atmosphere are influenced by the sun, eventually leading to the magnificent auroral displays. Developed especially for university professors and students in the fields of physics and astronomy, this module includes sections on the history, lore, and science of the aurora, the magnetosphere, the thermosphere-ionosphere, basic electromagnetism, and upper-atmospheric physics.

Estimated time to complete: 2-6 h

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   requires Flash plug-in: yes Flash requires RealPlayer plug-in: no RealPlayer requires Java plug-in: no Java requires AdobeReader plug-in: no Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2004-12-28

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content level: 1=basic Space Weather Basics
description (click to show/hide)
Quiz

product thumbnailDescription:
This Webcast presents an overview of the processes of space weather, its
impacts on the Earth and human activities and the technologies used for forecasting
space weather events. The Webcast goal is to provide NWS forecasters a basic
understanding of space weather and the operations of NOAA's Space
Environment Center (SEC). It will be of interest to a general audience as
well.

Objectives:
1. Identify the correct sequence of phases in the life cycle of a star.

2. State three types of space weather events. Describe their characteristics
and effects.

3. Describe the general pattern of sunspot migration during its 11-year
cycle.

4. State the characteristics of plasma.

5. List three types of solar energy release and describe their
characteristics.

6. Describe and explain the shape of the earth's magnetosphere, and describe
its role in space weather events.

7. State the space environment monitors used in GOES and POES satellites.

Estimated time to complete: 25 min

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   requires Flash plug-in: yes Flash requires RealPlayer plug-in: no RealPlayer requires Java plug-in: no Java requires AdobeReader plug-in: no Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2005-11-11

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content level: 0=for non-scientists Space Weather: Welcome, SEC
description (click to show/hide)
No Quiz

product thumbnailDescription:
This video presentation welcomes the Space Weather Prediction Center, formerly known as the Space Environment Center or SEC to the National Weather Service (NWS) as an operational entity of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) family. Describing the ways in which space weather affects global communications and power resources, it demonstrates the importance of space weather forecasting as a part of the NWS family of services. With the inclusion of SWPC, the NWS now provides environmental understanding from the sun to the sea.

Estimated time to complete: 15 min

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   requires Flash plug-in: yes Flash requires RealPlayer plug-in: no RealPlayer requires Java plug-in: no Java requires AdobeReader plug-in: no Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2005-01-11

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