SDO/NASASpace weather in focus as scientists from around the world gather – IRF at the forefront
The Swedish Institute of Space Physics (IRF) is taking part as scientists and experts from around the world gather in Umeå for the European Space Weather Week – the year’s largest meeting dedicated to space weather research. The conference focuses on how solar activity affects Earth, the space environment, and our technological infrastructure.
This year’s theme, “Technological expansion of the Arctic: the new frontiers of space weather”, highlights how the growing technological presence in the Arctic creates new challenges for understanding space weather – including solar radiation, particle flows, and magnetic storms.
IRF is at the forefront of efforts to understand and predict space weather. Its research helps reduce the risk of disruptions to critical technological systems – both in space and here on Earth.
At IRF, we study the fundamental physical processes that drive space weather, and we also design, develop and operate instruments that are used in both research and operational monitoring. This dual approach allows us to contribute to both the scientific understanding and practical forecasting of space weather”, says Andrew Dimmock, space weather scientist at IRF.
The conference, organized by Umeå University in collaboration with IRF and other partners, takes place from 27 to 31 October. It provides an important opportunity for researchers to exchange the latest knowledge on solar activity, the effects of space weather on Earth’s environment, and how we can better protect our technologies from its impacts.
In connection with the conference, a space weather training course will be held in Kiruna. The training course covers fundamental topics like basic principles of space weather, data, models and indices, alerts, forecasts and products and visits to relevant research centers. The course is open to bachelor, master and PhD students, as well as early career professionals in the space weather field.
