Why is it important to talk about Space Weather?

Abstract:Space weather describes the environmental conditions in space driven by solar activity. This field encompasses various phenomena such as solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and geomagnetic storms, all of which can significantly impact the functionality and reliability of both space-borne and Earth-based technological systems. Understanding and predicting space weather is critical because of its potential to disrupt communication systems, navigation satellites, power grids, and aviation, as well as its ability to pose serious health risks to astronauts through increased radiation exposure.

Accurate predictions of space weather are vital for mitigating risks associated with these solar phenomena. Predicting space weather, however, presents significant challenges due to the complex and dynamic nature of the sun and solar wind. Effective forecasting requires a nuanced understanding of these complexities, encompassing both short-term and long-term predictions to safeguard critical infrastructure and human health in space and on Earth.

Bio:“Currently, I am a Research Fellow at the University of Sheffield. My main research involves studying pre-eruptive conditions and developing methods for predicting solar eruptions over short and medium timescales.

I obtained my PhD in December 2018 at the University of Sheffield. After completing my PhD, I started a position as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Aberystwyth University (UK). I also spent two years as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Catania, Italy. Recently, I was awarded a substantive Leverhulme Fellowship, effective from May 1, 2024, allowing me to conduct my own research at the University of Sheffield. She has about 45 papers.”