Conveners
APL1 - Space Weather Services and Alerts for End-Users: Bridging Forecasting, Infrastructure, and Communication: Orals - part 1
- Mpho Tshisaphungo (South African National Space Agency (SANSA))
- Francois-Xavier Bocquet (Met Office)
- Kasper van Dam (KNMI)
- Judith de Patoul
APL1 - Space Weather Services and Alerts for End-Users: Bridging Forecasting, Infrastructure, and Communication: Orals - part 2
- Judith de Patoul
- Francois-Xavier Bocquet (Met Office)
- Mpho Tshisaphungo (South African National Space Agency (SANSA))
- Kasper van Dam (KNMI)
Description
Extreme space weather events can severely impact critical infrastructure, from power grids and pipelines to GNSS, aviation, and satellite systems. To reduce risks, it is essential to establish an effective bridge between operational space weather forecasting centers and end-users, one that relies not only on scientific expertise but also on robust systems, service infrastructure, and clear communication channels. This session invites contributions that explore how space weather services are developed, implemented, and delivered to support real-world decision-making. Topics of interest include the design and operation of systems that link forecasting centers to end-users, such as data delivery chains, alert mechanisms, and operational resilience protocols. We also welcome insights into how dissemination standards and procedures have evolved, including tailored alert protocols for sectors like civil aviation, satellite operations, energy, and GNSS. Presentations may address user experiences with accessing and applying space weather information via web portals, APIs, or customized platforms, as well as approaches to enable two-way communication: ranging from impact reporting and feedback loops to co-development of tools and services. Case studies are encouraged that show how coordination between forecasters and users has led to timely mitigation actions during major space weather events. We also encourage reflections on lessons learned from past storms, highlighting how experiences have shaped operational workflows, tools, and partnerships. The overarching aim is to understand how space weather services can evolve to be more integrated, interoperable, and responsive, ensuring end-users receive information that is timely, relevant, and actionable in high-impact scenarios.
On May 10th 2024, the arrival of a series of CMEs led to the largest geomagnetic storm since 2003 and resulted in auroras observed at mid latitudes worldwide as well reported impacts across a range of sectors. This presentation offers a case study of the storm from the perspective of an operational forecaster at the Met Office Space Weather Operations Centre (MOSWOC) over the duration of the...
The Solar-Terrestrial Center of Excellence (STCE) plays an essential role in the Pan-European Consortium for Aviation Space weather User Services (PECASUS), providing specialized space weather services to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The role of STCE is to act as a central data hub for the consortium and to provide 24/7 monitoring of the space weather conditions,...
In Defensie, we have started with a systematic study of space weather (SW) effects on the most SW-vulnerable defence systems to determine the associated SW risks when these systems are used in operations. We will first shortly present this initiative, including its goals and main challenges. An important part of this initiative is creating a bridge between the existing academic knowledge and...
The Community Coordinated Modeling Center (CCMC) is starting a new space weather training tailored for different user groups with both custom in-person and online options, available on a web based platform for the benefit of the entire community. The training will be based on the U.S. ARSET (Applied Remote Sensing Training) Program’s (Earth Science) significant experience. Training material...
Effectively communicating space weather information is the culmination of the entire chain of observation, analysis, modeling, and forecasting. Web-based platforms have become essential for delivering this information in a way that is both accessible and actionable for a range of users—from forecasters to researchers to students. This presentation introduces H3lioViz, a browser-based model...
To enhance preparedness for space weather (SWE) events, impact or event-based alerts have been implemented for delivering tailored SWE information via email, SMS and prototype dashboards to four of the ESA SWE service user domains covering ‘Aviation’, ‘downstream Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) services’, ‘Power Systems Operations’ and ‘Satellite Operations’. Since April 2022, over...
We present the new Solar Wind Scoreboard, which is hosted by NASA’s Community Coordinated Modeling Center (CCMC) and developed with the community as part of the COSPAR ISWAT initiative. The Solar Wind Scoreboard will serve the space weather and science community as a hub for real-time solar wind predictions at Earth, Mars, and other locations of interest. It will allow users to view the...
Global Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) and multi-fluid coronal models are crucial in enhancing our comprehension and prediction of space weather. This study provides new insights into the impact of source and sink terms on a two-fluid model of the partially ionised solar atmosphere and its implications for the dynamics of the solar corona, particularly in the context of space weather forecasting....
The solar radio flux index F10.7 denotes the spectral flux density of solar radiation at a wavelength of 10.7 cm or 2.8 GHz and is the most important parameter for solar activity alongside the sunspot number. F10.7 is also a central input parameter for models of the ionosphere and thermosphere and is therefore relevant for radio communication, navigation and all applications relying on LEO...
To maximise the efficiency of space weather mitigation strategies, forecasting products must not only be accurate and timely but tailored to end-user needs. For understanding and predicting the behaviour of the near-Earth space environment in changing solar wind conditions, physics-based modelling is extremely powerful, though often comes at considerable computational expense, making it...
We present a real-time hybrid deep-learning system for nowcasting and forecasting ionospheric Vertical Total Electron Content (VTEC) across Northern Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean, specifically over longitudes 15°–45° E and latitudes 15°–40° N. Our ground-based network comprises four Trimble-pivot GNSS reference stations—New Cairo (EGSA), Marsa Matrouh (MTRH), Arish (ARSH), and New...
SPACE IT UP is a program aiming at enhancing the space technology of Italy to be used for space exploration and exploitation for the benefit of planet Earth and the entire humankind. SPACE IT UP has a relevant interdisciplinarity approach, involving different disciplines in renowned Italian Universities, Research centers, Industries and SME’s. The holistic and problem-solving approach...
Our increasing reliance on technology vulnerable to space weather effects underscores the urgent need for effective public communication about these phenomena. While scientific research thrives on precise technical language, broader public engagement necessitates a more accessible and memorable approach. This commentary advocates for developing and implementing a standardized nomenclature for...
