Solar Flare, Geomagnetic Storm Today? AI To Transform Space Weather Prediction As Google, Aerospace Ink Deal
A solar flare or geomagnetic storm can disrupt phones, Internet and even satellites. And now, Aerospace Corp and Google are collaborating to roll out better space weather prediction solutions via AI.
Over the last few years, space weather tracking has become quite a trend for most people who chase after the colourful spectacle seen in the extreme northern parts of the Earth called auroras. Checking for a "solar flare" or a "geomagnetic storm today" have become quite big buzzwords on daily basis, indicating that the public is widely following these space events.
Now, apart from the fact that auroras are beautiful, space weather events like solar flares and geomagnetic storms can seriously disrupt critical infrastructure such as satellites, smartphone lines and even internet. The sheer number and complexity of the data involved make it extremely difficult to predict these events with any degree of accuracy.
The US space agency NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, for instance, takes over 70,000 pictures per day, each of which provides important details about solar activity. One of the biggest challenges in creating trustworthy long-term forecasting models has been analysing this data, which spans decades and several wavelengths, and finding hidden trends.
Leveraging AI To Transform Space Weather Prediction
To overcome this, and transform space weather forecasting, Aerospace Corporation, a space-dedicated nonprofit, is collaborating with Google Public Sector to leverage its cutting-edge artificial intelligence and machine learning tools. By leveraging AI and high-performance computing, this partnership is expected to enable the prediction of solar flares and geomagnetic storms days in advance, with accuracy and speed.
By combining Aerospace’s expertise in space science with Google Cloud’s advanced technologies like Vertex AI and high-performance computing, more accurate and timely space weather predictions are now potentially possible.
“Together, we’re not just advancing the science of space weather forecasting; we're also strengthening the resilience of the systems and critical infrastructure that underpin our modern way of life,” said Kevin Bell, senior vice president of Aerospace’s Engineering and Technology Group.
More Resilient Satellite Communications In Face Of Solar Flares and Geomagnetic Storms
The initiative will seek to protect worldwide connectivity and data transmission for applications by strengthening the resilience of satellite communications. Additionally, it will provide precise GPS navigation, which is essential for emergency services, logistics, transportation, and more. Additionally, the programme will help improve power grid resilience by averting widespread disruptions brought on by geomagnetic storms.
“We are proud to partner with The Aerospace Corporation to advance scientific discovery and address critical challenges facing our nation,” said Jim Kelly, vice president, Google Public Sector. “This collaboration demonstrates the transformative potential of AI to benefit society as a whole.”
